Senate Bill No. 268, introduced by Senator Duplessis, aims to facilitate the replacement of lead service lines in municipal water systems. The bill allows municipalities to adopt ordinances that grant them or their agents the right to enter private properties to perform lead service line replacements, provided they give at least seven days' notice to property owners and residents. In cases of emergencies, this notice requirement can be waived. The bill also stipulates that municipalities cannot enter properties unrelated to the lead service line replacement.
Additionally, the bill outlines specific notice requirements, including attempts to inform property owners and residents in person about the replacement schedule. If in-person contact is not possible, municipalities must send certified mail or post written notices on the property detailing the replacement date, expected water service disruptions, locations for supplementary drinking water, and any remedies if access to the property is denied. After the replacement is completed, municipalities are required to send a follow-up letter to the property owner summarizing the work done. The bill defines key terms such as "municipal water system" and "service line" and is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.