HB 478: UTILITIES: Provides with respect to reimbursement for utility overcharges - Louisiana

HB478 Original → HB478 Act 553 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill was enrolled as Act 553, adding Representative Larvaidain as a co-sponsor and converting the draft into final law. The most significant substantive change is the extension of the deadline for utility providers to reimburse overcharges from the next billing cycle to 90 calendar days after discovery. The bill also clarifies that reimbursements must be sent to a customer's last known address if they have ended service with the provider.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on utility overcharge reimbursement, but the applicability of the timeline rule has been broadened to cover situations where customers have already terminated service.

TIMELINE

The deadline for reimbursing overcharges was changed from the 'next billing cycle' to 'within 90 calendar days after the overcharge is discovered.'

REQUIREMENT

A new requirement was added to send reimbursements to a customer's last known address if the customer has ended service with the utility provider.

DEFINITION

A new definition for 'Overcharge' was inserted to clarify it includes any amount billed in excess of lawful rates or authorized charges.

TECHNICAL

The bill was converted from a draft version to an enrolled Act, adding co-sponsor Representative Larvaidain and formal signatures from the Speaker, Senate President, and Governor.

HB478 Enrolled → HB478 Original · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was converted from its final enrolled version back to the original draft, removing the official approval signatures and digest. The core policy regarding utility overcharge reimbursement remains unchanged, requiring providers to refund customers within the next billing cycle.

TECHNICAL

Removed the 'ENROLLED' status, Governor's approval, and Speaker/Senate signatures, reverting the document to its original draft state.

Deleted the Legislative Services digest, which previously summarized the bill's purpose and effects.

DEFINITION

Reorganized the statutory definitions section by removing the standalone 'Overcharge' definition and integrating the 'Utility provider' definition into a new paragraph structure.

REQUIREMENT

Adjusted the text regarding reimbursement timelines and labeling, though the substantive requirement to refund within the next billing cycle remains the same.

HB478 Reengrossed → HB478 Enrolled · 3 edits · May 25, 2026

MINOR

The bill transitioned from a House-reengrossed version to the final Enrolled version ready for the Governor's signature. The primary substantive change is the addition of a specific requirement that utility providers must send reimbursements to former customers at their last known address. The document also removed the legislative digest and committee amendment history, which are informational notes rather than part of the law itself.

Scope change

The scope of applicability was slightly expanded by explicitly ensuring that customers who have already ended their service with a utility provider are still eligible to receive their reimbursement at their last known address.

REQUIREMENT

Added a specific mandate requiring utility providers to mail reimbursements to the last known address of customers who have terminated their service.

TECHNICAL

Removed the legislative digest, abstract, and summary of amendments, which were informational guides explaining the bill's history and purpose but are not part of the actual law.

Updated page numbering and header labels from 'REENGROSSED' to 'ENROLLED' to reflect the bill's final status.

HB478 Engrossed → HB478 Reengrossed · 3 edits · May 21, 2026

MINOR

The bill was reengrossed to add a new exemption allowing utility regulators to override the standard reimbursement labeling requirements. Additionally, the summary of amendments was updated to clarify that the 90-day reimbursement deadline applies to both current and past customers.

Scope change

The bill's applicability was expanded by adding a specific exemption clause, allowing regulators to waive the labeling requirement if they order it.

REQUIREMENT

Added a provision stating that the requirement to label reimbursements as 'overcharge reimbursement' does not apply if the utility's regulator orders otherwise.

DEFINITION

Updated the summary of amendments to explicitly clarify that the 90-day reimbursement timeline applies to both current and former customers.

TECHNICAL

Added a new section in the summary of amendments listing 'House Floor Amendments' to track the specific regulatory exemption change.

UTILITIES: Provides with respect to reimbursement for utility overcharges

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