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 Reengrossed 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, within 120 days of the effectiveness of proposed law, 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 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 two arbiters for
each councilmanic district in New Orleans, subject to confirmation by the city council. One
arbiter from each district shall be appointed to serve on the residential arbitration team, and
one arbiter from each district shall be appointed to serve on the commercial arbitration team.
(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 appropriate arbitration team.
(3)Requires each arbitration team to hold regularly scheduled appointment days at a public
facility in each of the councilmanic districts to discuss cases with particular customers.
Requires that at least one member of the team meet with each customer in a private location
at the public facility and review the evidence pertaining to the customer's dispute.
(4)Based on the 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.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. (Adds R.S. 33:4159.3)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Make arbitration provisions applicable to commercial customers and provide for
residential and commercial arbitration teams.
2. Require that the teams hold regularly scheduled appointment days.
3. Change the basis of the fixed rate offered to residential customers from recent bill
amounts to water usage as indicated by recent meter readings.
4. Require fixed rates to be offered within 120 days of effectiveness of proposed law.
5. Add special effective date.