Louisiana House Bill HB59

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/21
• Refer: 3/4/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Refer: 4/29/21
• Refer: 5/3/21
• Report Pass: 5/12/21
• Engrossed: 5/19/21
• Refer: 5/20/21
• Report Pass: 6/3/21
• Enrolled: 6/8/21
• Chaptered: 6/14/21
• Passed: 6/14/21

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Authorizes a political subdivision to waive water charges incurred through damage not caused by the customer (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

Impact

If enacted, this constitutional amendment would empower local governments to alleviate financial burdens on residents affected by water service interruptions that they did not cause. This approach would not only address immediate financial concerns for citizens but could also promote goodwill between municipalities and their constituents, reinforcing community trust in local governance. The bill seeks to establish a framework to ensure that residents are not penalized for infrastructural issues beyond their control.

Summary

House Bill 59 proposes an amendment to Article VII, Section 14(B) of the Louisiana Constitution, allowing political subdivisions to waive water charges incurred due to damage not caused by the customer. This change aims to provide local governments with more flexibility in managing public funds and addressing issues that arise from the deterioration of water delivery infrastructure. The bill reflects an ongoing effort to clarify the operational capabilities of local authorities in terms of financial responsibilities related to public utilities.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 59 appeared to be mostly favorable, as indicated by the overwhelming support it garnered during voting—the Senate passed the measure with only one dissenting vote. Supporters argue that the bill represents a practical response to common issues faced by municipalities and their residents, ensuring equitable treatment for those impacted by infrastructure failures. There is a recognition that allowing local governments this capability could lead to better community relations and a more proactive approach in addressing public health and safety issues.

Contention

While there was broad support, some concerns were raised about the implications of such an amendment. Critics may argue that the provision could lead to potential financial disadvantages for municipalities, creating a reliance on state funding or other compensatory mechanisms to cover waived charges. The debate highlighted ongoing discussions on the balance of fiscal responsibility for local versus state management of public utilities, as local governments navigate the complexities associated with public infrastructure management.