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Workforce Wednesday: Host of Career Readiness Bills Highlight Week Two
A key pillar of LABI’s LA Driven strategic plan is to transform Louisiana into a state where our children are ready for adulthood, and high school graduates and college graduates are prepared for our state’s jobs.
As highlighted in our policy briefings last week, LABI is adamantly focused on strengthening workforce development by equipping Louisianans with work-ready skills, expanding training for in-demand careers and increasing labor force participation statewide.
In January, LABI released the 2026 LA Driven Annual Report, outlining recent progress in improving the state’s business climate and where significant challenges remain. Increasing our labor force participation—well below the national average—and expanding school-to-work opportunities top that list.
Now that the table has been set, we’ll highlight the six LA Driven bills that are each set to begin the legislative process when the House Education Committee meets Wednesday morning at 9:00. These measures fall under our session priority of Strengthening Cradle-to-Career Pathways.
First up, HB 268 by Rep. Kim Carver (R-Mandeville), which would expand career exposure for students in grades 6-8. Additionally, it requires K-5 schools to provide students with at least one career-related activity by the end of 5th grade.
Studies consistently show that students who are exposed to real-world learning (through internships, apprenticeships and other opportunities) develop the skills employers are looking for. A 2025 hiring report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that only 38% of hiring managers say it’s easy to find candidates with the skills or experience needed.
On this front, Rep. Ken Brass (D-Vacherie) has two bills up in committee related to meeting employer demands.
HB 649 requires the establishment and administration of a statewide application process for students to access dual enrollment programs. Additionally, all public postsecondary institutions must participate.
Rep. Brass is also bringing HB 807 to establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to bolster and expand training for high-wage, high-demand jobs.
Additionally on the House Ed agenda: three bills that will build on Louisiana’s nation-leading education reforms. HB 316 by Rep. John Wyble (R-Bogalusa) would broaden the instructor literacy training program he helped create to include grades 4-8. The program is already in place for grades K-3.
This program, in addition to other tools enacted by the legislature, helped Louisiana make monumental improvements and boost outcomes at a rate higher than any other state. On the 2024 NAEP, Louisiana’s students ranked 15th in the nation on fourth grade reading—up from 41st in 2022 and 49th in 2019. In fourth grade math, the state moved up another six spots, ranking 37th in the nation—up from 43rd in 2022 and 49th in 2019.
Rep. Wyble’s HB 271, creating the Louisiana Commission on Foundational Education, is also set to be heard in committee Wednesday.
We were pleased to be joined by Rep. Wyble last week on our Sounds of Session podcast. You can listen to the episode, which dives into his education legislation and how the state can—and must—build on our recent reforms, by clicking here.
Finally, House Ways & Means Chairman Rep. Tony Bacala (R-Prairieville) has HB 285 scheduled, which would allow school boards to partner with credit unions to open branches inside high schools. LABI has previously supported measures to boost financial literacy for students, preparing them to make smarter money management decisions and promoting financial independence.