DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 965 Original 2024 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Provides relative to billing for services provided by the sewerage and water board of New
Orleans.
Proposed law requires the sewerage and water board of New Orleans (the board) to present every
residential customer with the option of paying a fixed monthly rate for services. Requires the board
to notify each customer of the option for fixed rate billing and the amount he would pay each month.
Provides that the fixed rate applies until an automated meter is installed and operable at his
residence.
Proposed law provides for an arbitration program applicable to residential customers who dispute
their bills. Requires the following with respect to the program:
(1)The legislative auditor and the New Orleans inspector general shall appoint one arbiter for
each councilmanic district in New Orleans, subject to confirmation by the city council.
(2)If a customer disputes a monthly bill or the fixed monthly rate offered pursuant to proposed
law, his case shall be referred to the arbiter for the councilmanic district in which his
residence is located.
(3)The arbiter shall meet with the customer in a private location in a public building within the
councilmanic district and review all evidence available.
(4)Based on his review, the arbiter shall determine whether the bill or fixed rate amount is
appropriate and if not, what the appropriate amount or rate is.
(5)If the arbiter determines that the appropriate bill or rate amount is lower than what has been
submitted to the customer, he shall notify the board, and the board shall lower the amount
or rate to that which the arbiter has determined is appropriate.
(6)Provides that the customer may appeal the arbiter's determination to the city council as
otherwise provided by present law.
(Adds R.S. 33:4159.3)