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Trio of LABI-Backed Labor Bills Approach Final Passage
Wednesday’s Senate Labor Committee meeting lasted under an hour, and in that time three House bills LABI has supported throughout the first seven weeks of session were sent to the Senate Floor for final passage.
HB 185 by Rep. Michael Melerine (R-Shreveport) addresses a line of cases that have eroded statutory employer tort immunity. The measure clarifies the definition of “independent contractor” to include employees of independent contractors. LABI supports this bill as a proposal to strengthen the exclusive remedy of workers’ compensation. It was reported with amendments.
The Committee reported HB 301 by Rep. John Wyble (R-Franklinton) favorably. This measure creates the Independent Contractor Voluntary Portable Benefits Act to allow gig workers the ability to set up accounts to provide benefits such as healthcare, paid leave and retirement. LABI’s Jim Patterson joined Rep. Wyble at the table to testify in support of the bill, noting that more and more people—especially young workers—are choosing independent work, and portable benefits help them to take care of themselves if they get sick or when they retire. They also help ensure these workers don’t have to rely on the state for support later.
Patterson previously highlighted that several states—including southern neighbors Alabama and Tennessee—have already passed similar laws. He and Rep. Wyble emphasized that the gig economy continues to expand and appeals strongly to younger workers who prioritize flexibility and independence. With Louisiana’s workforce participation below the national average, the bill would help independent workers gain access to benefits that are typically out of reach.
HB 680 by Rep. Wyble was also reported with amendments. It would put into law an executive order issued by Gov. Jeff Landry to streamline Louisiana’s workforce system under LA Works following last year’s passage of a “one door” package. The measure centralizes oversight and administration at the state level, allows federal workforce funds to be managed as a block grant, replaces fragmented local oversight with a statewide monitoring system, and redirects resources away from duplicative governance toward training, work-based learning and employment and supportive services. It also expands flexible training investments and pay-for-performance contracting to help more Louisianans secure long-term employment and career advancement.
Rep. Wyble previously called the plan an innovative approach to workforce development, noting Louisiana is the only state to so far receive a U.S. Department of Labor waiver to implement it. He said the goal is to be more efficient and strategic with federal workforce dollars so more funding goes directly to helping people upskill, reskill and achieve financial independence while strengthening the state’s workforce.