Labor & Employment (Workplace Safety)

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.