(By Ian Robinson/The Center Square) – Louisiana voters will decide Nov. 3 whether local governments should be allowed to spend public money to replace hazardous drinking water lines on private property.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 7 would allow local governments to use taxpayer funds to maintain drinking water lines containing or affected by hazardous materials on property owned by utility customers.

Under current law, the Louisiana Constitution prohibits public money to benefit private individuals or businesses with some exceptions.

The amendment would create another exception, allowing local governments to spend public funds on affected drinking water lines even when portions of those located on private property.

The proposal follows federal water regulations established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that requires water systems to identify and replace lead service lines.

A “yes” vote would allow local governments to use public funds to maintain water line on private property.

A “no” vote would leave existing constitutional restrictions unchanged.