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HB 893

SEWERAGE/N O WATER BD: Provides relative to the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alonzo Knox

HB 893 modernizes SWBNO purchasing by raising emergency limit to $30,000, requiring quotes for $10k–$30k, and ensuring above $30k uses competitive bidding per state rules.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 893

Summary of HB 893 (2026) – Louisiana: Sewerage/NOWater Board Purchases

Overview

HB 893, sponsored by Representative Knox, amends the purchasing and contracting rules applicable to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). The bill revises thresholds and procedures for acquiring materials, supplies, and emergency purchases, aligning them with broader state procurement practices and increasing the emergency-purchase ceiling from $10,000 to $30,000. It restructures references between the SWBNO and state procurement statutes (R.S. 38:2212 and related sections) and repeals a prior SWBNO-specific provision.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Modernize and standardize how the SWBNO purchases materials, supplies, and equipment.
  • Increase the emergency purchase limit to allow quicker access to essential items while maintaining accountability.
  • Align SWBNO procurement processes with state procurement thresholds and reporting requirements.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. General Purchases (A)(1)(a)

    • Any SWBNO purchase of materials or supplies exceeding $30,000 must be:
      • Advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with R.S. 38:2212.1(A)(1)(a) contracts and proceedings.
    • This retains the concept of competitive bidding for larger purchases but references state procurement standards.

  2. Mid-Range Purchases (A)(1)(b)

    • Purchases between $10,000 and $30,000 require:
      • At least three quotes (telephone, fax, email, or other electronic form).
      • Written confirmation of accepted offers when telephone quotes are used.
      • Documentation in the purchase file, including reasons for rejecting lower quotes.
    • This establishes a formalized quote process for mid-sized purchases.

  3. Emergency Purchases (C)

    • The maximum emergency purchase amount is raised from $10,000 to $30,000.
    • The executive director or general superintendent may contract for emergency supplies with written approval from the president pro tempore of the board or the city mayor.
    • All emergency contracts must be reported to the board at the next meeting, including the emergency justification.

  4. General Repeal and Alignment

    • Repeals R.S. 33:4084(A)(1)(c) (an SWBNO-specific provision) in its entirety.
    • Reenacts and amends R.S. 33:4084(A)(1)(a) and (b) to reflect the updated purchasing framework and references.

Who and What Is Affected

  • Affected Entity: Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO).
  • Impact: SWBNO procurement processes will follow updated thresholds and procedures, increasing efficiency for emergencies, while requiring competitive bids or quotes for higher-dollar purchases and maintaining record-keeping and justification for quotes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The act amends existing statutes and becomes effective as part of the 2026 Regular Session measures.
  • It requires SWBNO to adhere to the new thresholds and documentation standards for reporting and transparency.
  • The bill’s language indicates a transition to standard state procurement practices for purchases within the SWBNO’s purview.

Summary

HB 893 modernizes SWBNO purchasing rules by:
- Raising the emergency-purchase limit to $30,000.
- Normalizing mid-range purchases ($10,000–$30,000) to require multiple quotes and documented justification.
- Ensuring purchases above $30,000 follow competitive bidding under state procurement standards.
- Replacing an older SWBNO-specific provision with alignment to R.S. 38 purchasing requirements.
Overall, the bill enhances procurement efficiency and accountability for the New Orleans sewerage and water system.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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