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 modifies the legal structure by allowing the board to employ its own legal counsel, rather than relying on the city attorney and a special counsel, and designates the board's legal counsel as the agent for service of process. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing provisions, including those that relieve the city of New Orleans from making annual appropriations for the drainage system and those that require contractors to give employment preference to city residents.

The bill further clarifies the board's authority regarding expropriation proceedings, stating that the legal counsel will handle such matters. It also changes the reporting structure, requiring only the executive director to present quarterly reports to the city council, rather than including the mayor or 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, enhancing its autonomy and efficiency in managing the city's water and drainage systems.

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