House Bill No. 611, introduced by Representative Hilferty, seeks to amend and reenact several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. Key changes include the removal of the mayor as the ex officio president of the board, replacing it with a provision that allows the board to elect its own president for a one-year term. The bill also authorizes the board to employ legal counsel directly, rather than relying on the city attorney and a special counsel, and specifies that the executive director will serve as the agent for service of process. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing provisions related to the board's operations, including the requirement for the city to make annual appropriations for the drainage system.

The bill further clarifies the board's authority regarding expropriation of property necessary for sewerage, water, or drainage systems, allowing the legal counsel to initiate such proceedings. It also modifies the reporting structure by requiring only the executive director to present quarterly reports to the city council, eliminating the involvement of the mayor and chief administrative officer. The proposed law is set to take effect on January 12, 2026, and aims to streamline the governance and operational framework of the Sewerage and Water Board while enhancing its autonomy.

Statutes affected:
HB611 Original: 33:4091(D)
HB611 Engrossed: 33:4091(D)
HB611 Reengrossed: 33:4091(D)