Labor & Employment

passed · Louisiana · Senate May 28, 2026

SR 125: MILITARY AFFAIRS: Requests the United States Navy to expeditiously execute a transparent and competitive Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) acquisition strategy to protect the maritime workforce at Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana.

This resolution urges the United States Navy to quickly implement a clear and competitive plan for acquiring Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels to support shipbuilding efforts in Morgan City, Louisiana. The bill directly affects the Conrad Shipyard and its workforce, which are currently facing uncertainty due to delays in the Navy's program and potential changes to construction requirements. By requesting a stable production forecast, the measure aims to protect private investments and prevent the loss of high-tech jobs in robotics, software, and advanced engineering. The resolution is intended to ensure continued growth for the local maritime industry and the broader supply chain without advocating for specific policy outcomes.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill aims to protect the maritime workforce at Conrad Shipyard by securing a stable production forecast and preventing uncertainty.85% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · House May 11, 2026

HCR 65: CONGRESS: Memorializes the United States Congress, the President of the United States, the United States Department of Labor, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to take all necessary and appropriate actions to reclassify all job duties of the crawfish industry as agricultural labor services for purposes of the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program

This Louisiana concurrent resolution asks federal officials to officially classify all work in the crawfish industry as agricultural labor. Currently, many crawfish tasks are treated as non-agricultural, which forces employers to use a visa program with strict limits and long delays. The bill seeks to change these rules so that crawfish farmers can hire temporary foreign workers under the H-2A program, which is designed for seasonal farm jobs and includes requirements for housing and wages. If approved, this change would allow the industry to secure a reliable workforce for the upcoming 2026 harvest season.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill seeks to expand access to the H-2A visa program for crawfish workers, facilitating legal immigration for seasonal agricultural labor.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill seeks to reclassify crawfish work as agricultural labor to access the H-2A program, which mandates housing and wage protections for temporary workers.85% confidence

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passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 316: AGRICULTURE: Urges and requests the LSU AgCenter, in coordination with the Southern Ag Center and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, to study and develop strategies to strengthen small and mid-scale agricultural production and to increase opportunities for young adults to participate in and pursue careers in agriculture

This resolution asks the LSU AgCenter to work with other state agencies to study how to help small and mid-sized farms in Louisiana succeed. The study will focus on creating better training, improving access to processing and storage facilities, and developing programs to encourage young people to enter the agricultural workforce. Specific areas of interest include marketing skills, mental health support for farmers, and expanding opportunities for agritourism and direct-to-consumer sales. The agencies involved must submit a report with their findings and policy recommendations to the House by February 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly includes mental health support for farmers as a specific area of interest, indicating a supportive stance toward healthcare services.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill aims to increase youth participation in agriculture and improve workforce training, directly supporting employment opportunities and labor development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Tags Agriculture

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passed both · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SCR 80: SCHOOLS: Creates and provides for a task force to study the minimum foundation program formula and recommend permanent, predictable funding for pay raises for teachers and support staff.

This bill establishes a task force to examine Louisiana's Minimum Foundation Program formula, which determines how state and local funds are distributed to public schools. The group will study ways to create a stable, permanent funding source for teacher and support staff pay raises, ensuring these increases are not dependent on temporary or one-time money. The bill directly affects school systems, educators, and taxpayers by aiming to replace uncertain, short-term funding with a predictable long-term solution. By analyzing the current complex funding structure, the task force will provide recommendations to improve clarity and sustainability for school budgets and employee compensation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a task force to secure permanent funding for teacher pay raises, aiming to strengthen school budgets and ensure stable fiscal support for education.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a task force to establish permanent funding for teacher pay raises, directly supporting educators and school stability.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes a task force to secure permanent funding for teacher and staff pay raises, directly advancing worker compensation and job stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Funding Teachers

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passed both · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HCR 77: CONGRESS: Memorializes the United States Congress, the President of the United States, the United States Department of Labor, the United States Department of Homeland Security, and the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to take all necessary and appropriate actions to pass the H-2B Certified Seasonal Employer Designation and reclassify all job duties of the crawfish industry as agricultural labor services for purposes of the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program.

This Louisiana legislative resolution asks the U.S. government to reclassify crawfish processing work as agricultural labor so that workers can be hired under the H-2A visa program instead of the more limited H-2B program. The bill also urges federal officials to create a special designation for long-term, compliant crawfish employers and to speed up visa processing times to help businesses meet their seasonal staffing needs. By making these changes, the measure aims to ensure a reliable workforce for the crawfish and landscaping industries during their peak harvest and maintenance periods. The resolution does not become law itself but serves as a formal request to federal agencies and lawmakers to take specific actions to address labor shortages in the state.

Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill seeks to expand legal immigration pathways for crawfish workers by reclassifying jobs under the H-2A program and creating special employer designations.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill seeks to expand labor access by reclassifying jobs to allow more workers under H-2A, aiming to ensure reliable staffing for the crawfish industry.85% confidence

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signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1238: LABOR: Enacts the Louisiana Behind the Counter Protection Act (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

This bill, known as the Louisiana Behind the Counter Protection Act, strengthens penalties for crimes committed against employees working at retail and food service counters, drive-through windows, or similar customer service points. It increases the maximum fines and prison sentences for simple assault and battery when the victim is an employee performing their duties at a regulated establishment. Additionally, the law requires businesses to display a specific warning sign informing the public that workplace violence against these employees is a crime. The act defines workplace violence broadly to include physical attacks, threats, intimidation, and verbal abuse directed at staff while they are on the job.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens penalties for crimes against retail employees, enhancing protection for workers and victims within the criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens penalties for crimes against retail employees, enhancing workplace safety and protecting workers' rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 1061: INSURANCE/GROUP-STATE: Provides with respect to participation by certain retirees in insurance programs sponsored by the state's Office of Group Benefits

This bill allows certain retired state employees in Louisiana to continue participating in state-sponsored insurance programs like health and life insurance. To qualify, retirees must have worked in the Office of Group Benefits for at least one year, have at least 20 total years of participation including time as a spouse, and experience a qualifying life event such as marriage or birth after retirement. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to employees who meet these specific eligibility requirements.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands insurance benefits for retired state employees, strengthening post-employment benefits and worker welfare75% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 1073: PUBLIC SFTY/CORRECTIONS: Provides for the issuance of certain documentation to inmates before their release from incarceration (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill requires Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections to provide released inmates with specific documents to help them find employment, including vocational and work records, birth certificates, social security information, and a resume highlighting any skills learned in prison. It also mandates that the department coordinate with the Office of Motor Vehicles to issue special identification cards to eligible inmates who lack current state IDs upon their release, using prison time computation records as valid photo identification. Additionally, the bill establishes a new certificate of employability for inmates who have completed certain educational programs, vocational training, or passed job skills assessments, which will include their criminal history and institutional records to help employers verify their qualifications. These provisions apply to inmates released from felony sentences who designate their residence within Louisiana, while excluding certain older inmates or those unable to return to the workforce from specific resume and interview documentation requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill aids reentry by providing documentation and IDs to help inmates find employment, reducing recidivism and supporting criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill aids reentry by providing employment documentation and ID cards to released inmates, facilitating their ability to find work.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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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

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 993: RETIREMENT/MUNICIPAL POL: Provides relative to earnable compensation for employees in the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System (OR SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE APV)

This bill defines "earnable compensation" for the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System in Louisiana as the full regular monthly salary plus state supplemental pay, while explicitly excluding overtime, one-time bonuses, recruitment incentives, and other nonrecurring lump-sum payments. The change directly affects municipal police employees whose retirement contributions are calculated based on their eligible compensation. The new definition will apply prospectively to pay periods ending on or after July 1, 2026, ensuring that only regular recurring earnings count toward retirement benefits during that time.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill reduces retirement contributions for police employees by excluding overtime and bonuses from earnable compensation, weakening retirement benefits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

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