This bill establishes the Louisiana Livable Wage Task Force to study the cost of living and make recommendations for improving economic security for workers and families. The task force will assess living expenses across urban, suburban, and rural areas, analyze wage gaps, and gather input from various stakeholders including employers, employees, and community organizations. Composed of appointed members from government agencies, labor groups, and business associations, the group is required to submit a final report with policy suggestions by March 1, 2027. The bill does not set a specific wage increase but creates a committee to evaluate options for raising wages to meet basic needs while considering impacts on businesses and the local economy.
HB 421 regulates the use of automated decision systems (ADS) in employment, requiring employers to notify workers and job applicants when such systems (like AI tools) make decisions affecting jobs. Employers must provide clear written notice at least 30 days before deployment, explaining what data the system uses, how it works, and who created it - especially for hiring decisions. The bill prohibits using ADS for certain decisions without notice, bans retaliation against workers who challenge ADS outcomes, and gives workers a right to appeal decisions. It directly affects employers (including government entities) and workers in Louisiana, with definitions covering all employment-related actions like hiring, promotion, and scheduling. The law focuses on transparency and worker protections without specifying enforcement details.
HB 585, the Discount Retailer Workforce Safety and Retention Act, requires Louisiana small box discount retailers (stores with 5,000-10,000 sq ft selling discounted goods to consumers) employing 15+ workers to create written safety plans addressing workplace violence risks. The law mandates risk assessments for factors like late shifts, cash handling, and uncontrolled access, and requires specific safety measures such as improved lighting, drop safes, and panic buttons after two violent incidents at a location within a year. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report violence or contact law enforcement during incidents. Employees can seek civil remedies, including attorney fees, for violations within one year of the incident. The bill directly affects retail employers meeting the size and type criteria, focusing on concrete safety protocols rather than broader policy changes.
HB 353 would establish a new state minimum wage in Louisiana, starting at $12 per hour on January 1, 2027, increasing to $15 per hour on January 1, 2029, and then adjusting annually based on the regional Consumer Price Index after 2031. It requires all Louisiana employers (excluding state and university student employees) to pay at least the established rate for all hours worked. If the federal minimum wage rises above the state rate, Louisiana's rate would automatically match it. The bill also includes penalties for violations, such as fines of $500-$1,000 per employee and back pay, enforced by Louisiana Works.
HB 209 establishes a phased increase to Louisiana's state minimum wage, starting at $10 per hour on January 1, 2027, rising to $12 per hour on January 1, 2029, and reaching $14 per hour on January 1, 2031. It requires all employers to pay these rates for hours worked, automatically adjusts the wage if the federal minimum exceeds it, and allows employees to sue for unpaid wages plus attorney fees and court costs. The bill excludes tipped employees, agricultural workers (per federal law), and student employees from coverage. Employers violating the law must pay the difference between what was paid and the required wage, and court clerks must report violations monthly to Louisiana Works, which will publish annual reports on violators to lawmakers.
SB 230 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a state livable wage in Louisiana, requiring most employers to pay $10.25 per hour starting January 1, 2027, with annual inflation adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. It directly affects most private employers, excluding small businesses with under $300,000 in annual gross receipts (adjusted yearly), workers under 16, family-owned businesses, and tipped workers whose combined tips and wages meet the full rate. The bill mandates automatic annual wage increases tied to inflation and allows limited exemptions for disabled workers through special licenses. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election to take effect. (Bill: SB 230, "Constitutional amendment to establish a state livable wage")
