LA HB573

New Orleans City Council gains authority to adopt ordinances that supersede state law regarding the Sewerage and Water Board's composition, officers, rates, and billing policies, provided the ordinances are adopted after the state law provisions were enacted.

City Council may establish alternative procedures for approving water and sewerage rates, bypassing current requirements for approval by both the Board of Liquidation, City Debt, and the City Council.

Eliminates the 7-member billing ordinance working group that was required to review and approve billing-related ordinances before City Council consideration; this group previously included state legislators, City Council committee chairs, and S&WB officials.

Retains City Council authority to establish billing procedures, reduce or modify customer bills, and waive late charges or accrued interest, with requirements that such procedures be uniformly implemented to prevent special treatment.

Amends R.S. 33:4071, 4073, 4121, and 4159.2 to give local ordinances precedence over state statutes governing the S&WB's organizational structure and operations.