Labor & Employment (Workers' Compensation)

passed · Louisiana · House May 7, 2026

HB 1101: WORKERS COMPENSATION: Provides relative to maximum medical improvement, income benefits, the misrepresentation of benefits or payments, and the rehabilitation of injured employees under workers' compensation (EG -$550,900 SG EX See Note)

This bill updates Louisiana workers' compensation laws to clarify definitions and procedures for injured employees. It formally defines "maximum medical improvement" as a point where an employee's condition is unlikely to improve substantially, even if they continue receiving treatment for chronic pain. The legislation also establishes clearer rules for temporary and permanent disability benefits, including specific maximum time limits for receiving compensation and new provisions for supplemental earnings benefits. Additionally, the bill strengthens fraud prevention measures by defining what constitutes willful misrepresentation of benefits and outlines requirements for vocational rehabilitation services to help injured workers return to suitable employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill clarifies workers' compensation definitions and procedures, protecting injured employees' rights to benefits and establishing clearer rules for disability compensation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1119: WORKERS COMPENSATION: Provides relative to an employee's refusal to submit to a medical examination or cooperate with vocational rehabilitation and provides relative to expedited summary proceedings for certain disputes

This bill modifies Louisiana workers' compensation laws to address employee refusal to participate in medical examinations or vocational rehabilitation programs. It allows employers to request expedited court hearings to compel employees to submit to medical exams, with benefits potentially suspended if the employee cannot show good cause for refusal. The legislation also permits a reduction of weekly compensation benefits by fifty percent if an employee unreasonably refuses to cooperate with vocational rehabilitation efforts. These changes apply to injured workers and their employers, streamlining dispute resolution for specific compliance issues while maintaining the requirement for court oversight before penalties are imposed.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill allows suspension of benefits and reduction of compensation if employees refuse medical exams, potentially limiting healthcare access for injured workers.75% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill restricts worker benefits by allowing suspension of compensation and permitting 50% reduction in weekly benefits for refusing medical exams or vocational rehabilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 1023: WORKERS COMPENSATION: Provides with respect to the selection of vocation rehabilitation counselors

This bill modifies Louisiana's workers' compensation law to clarify how vocational rehabilitation counselors are selected for injured employees. It requires employers to choose a licensed counselor to help with job placement or training, but also allows employees or employers to request services through the Office of Workers' Compensation Administration if the employer refuses. The law establishes a dispute process where either party can file a claim if they disagree with the counselor's work, leading to a fast hearing within 10 to 30 days without needing prior mediation. This change aims to provide a quicker resolution path for conflicts over vocational services while maintaining employer responsibility for the initial selection.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workers' compensation by clarifying vocational rehabilitation counselor selection, ensuring injured employees receive job placement or training services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation Workforce Development

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 11, 2026

HB 537: WORKERS COMPENSATION: Repeals the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council

HB 537 repeals the statutory creation of Louisiana's Workers' Compensation Advisory Council. The bill eliminates a 17-member body that previously monitored workers' compensation administration, made recommendations to the legislature, and reviewed proposed rules. This council included representatives from labor, business, medical associations, attorneys, and the public. The repeal removes this advisory structure without replacing it, directly affecting the council's members and the process for gathering their input on workers' compensation policies. The bill does not change workers' compensation rules or benefits.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentRepeals advisory council including labor reps, removing oversight mechanism for workers' comp administration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 456: WORKERS COMPENSATION: Provides relative to claims for benefits under workers' compensation

HB 456 amends Louisiana's workers' compensation laws to clarify the requirements for filing claims and disputing benefits. It specifies that a claim petition must include the parties' names, injury details, specific benefits sought, and a request for relief. Employers may only file a disputed claim against an employee, dependent, or beneficiary if alleging fraud under R.S. 23:1208 or appealing a medical director's decision under R.S. 23:1203.1(K). The bill directly affects workers filing claims and employers disputing those claims, streamlining the process while limiting disputes to specific legal grounds.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRestricts employer disputes to fraud/appeals only, clarifies claim requirements, and protects workers from frivolous claim denials under workers' comp.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 358: WORKERS' COMPENSATION: Provides for Occupational Accident Insurance for independent contractors. (gov sig)

SB 358 creates a new insurance requirement for independent contractors in Louisiana, specifically providing occupational accident coverage to protect them if injured on the job. It defines "independent contractor" (excluding most manual labor) and mandates that contractors obtain private insurance meeting minimum standards: $1 million in medical benefits per injury, temporary disability payments, and death/disfigurement coverage. Principals (businesses hiring contractors) avoid liability as "statutory employers" if contractors maintain this coverage, have a written agreement, and retain control over work methods. The law directly affects independent contractors in construction, commercial driving, and equipment operation who currently lack workers' compensation protections.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates occupational accident insurance with $1M medical benefits per injury for contractors, expanding healthcare coverage access for a vulnerable worker group.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates occupational accident insurance for independent contractors with $1M medical coverage per injury, expanding protections for a group typically excluded from workers' comp.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Workers' Compensation

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 185: WORKERS COMPENSATION: Provides relative to the definition of an independent contractor (EN DECREASE SD EX See Note)

HB 185 clarifies the definition of an "independent contractor" under Louisiana's workers' compensation law. It states that independent contractors are generally excluded from workers' comp coverage unless "a substantial part" of their work involves manual labor. The bill specifically excludes trucking-related tasks (like driving, fueling, or connecting trailers) from counting as manual labor. Additionally, it expands coverage to include employees of independent contractors and other contractors working through them. This change directly affects workers and businesses classified as independent contractors in Louisiana.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentExcludes trucking tasks (driving/fueling) from manual labor definition, restricting workers' comp coverage for these workers while expanding limited coverage elsewhere.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Workers' Compensation

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 609: HEALTH CARE/RECORDS: Provides for the exemption of fees for health records when requested for the federal and state veterans affairs departments

HB 609 prohibits healthcare providers and facilities in Louisiana from charging fees for medical records when veterans request them specifically to apply for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. It applies only once per veteran for the purpose of a disability claim, requiring providers to verify veteran status and the claim's purpose before waiving fees. The law exempts costs for preparing, reproducing, handling, or transmitting records under this specific circumstance. This directly affects veterans seeking disability benefits and healthcare entities handling such record requests.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves fees for veterans' medical records needed for disability claims, improving access to healthcare services and supporting veterans' healthcare access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves fees for veterans' medical records needed for disability claims, facilitating access to employment-related benefits and reducing barriers for veterans seeking workplace support.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits fees for veterans' health records when applying for VA disability benefits, removing financial barriers to access healthcare services and benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 357: WORKERS COMPENSATION: Provides for the adoption of a medical fee reimbursement schedule for workers' compensation (RE +$100,000 SD EX See Note)

HB 357 establishes a medical reimbursement schedule for workers' compensation in Louisiana, setting fees for medical services, drugs, and supplies based on the average rates in neighboring states. The Office of Workers' Compensation Administration must create this schedule using data from at least 30 healthcare providers, with strict privacy rules to prevent identifying individual providers. The schedule will be updated annually, require quarterly legislative reporting, and take effect on January 1, 2027. This directly affects healthcare providers treating workers' compensation patients and the state agency managing the system.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes standardized medical reimbursement for workers' comp, preventing excessive provider charges and ensuring timely access to care for injured workers, directly protecting worker benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation

Track

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 11, 2026

SB 162: WORKERS' COMPENSATION: Provides relative to the workers' compensation medical treatment schedule. (8/1/26)

SB 162 modifies Louisiana's workers' compensation system by changing how disputes over medical treatment decisions are handled. It allows any party disagreeing with a medical director's decision to appeal within 45 days using LWC Form 1008. To overturn a decision, the appealing party must present "clear and convincing evidence" showing the decision violated the law, and only evidence previously reviewed by the medical director can be used in the appeal. This directly affects workers and employers in Louisiana workers' compensation cases involving medical treatment disputes. The bill focuses on streamlining the appeals process for medical treatment decisions under the existing workers' compensation framework.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts appeal process for medical treatment decisions in workers' comp, requiring 'clear and convincing evidence' and limiting admissible evidence, limiting access to care.85% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentRestricts workers' ability to appeal medical treatment decisions by requiring 'clear and convincing evidence' and limiting admissible evidence, weakening access to necessary care under workers' comp.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workers' Compensation