Lawmakers in the Louisiana House have passed a bill, by a vote of 73-24, that would change the requirements to receive unemployment benefits. The measure heads next to the Senate. Rep. Troy Hebert, R-Lafayette, authored House Bill 153 and says he’s heard from employers who have been stood up for job interviews. As the Louisiana Radio Network reports, “Said I’ve had eight people in a row fail to show up for an interview over the last two weeks. The American workforce isn’t what it used to be. Then he puts any of my government friends or other HR friends knows what’s going on out there with unemployment.”
Under the proposal, the number of required work searches would increase from three to five and people who fail to appear for scheduled job interviews could lose benefits. Hebert says the purpose of codifying HB153 is so that it remains in place regardless of any future administration that enters office. Critics contend the measure will make it easier for people to be pushed off unemployment benefits.
in the 2024 Louisiana Legislative Session, lawmakers approved two new laws, Act 412 and Act 553, aimed at ensuring a fair and effective system while addressing the state’s workforce and economic needs. Both Acts became effective on January 1, 2025, with changes designed to shorten the wait time to begin receiving unemployment benefits. Another change involves the length of receiving benefits, which continue 12 to 20 weeks instead of the previous length of 26 weeks.
Since December 31, 2024, Louisiana unemployment insurance laws now include stronger penalties for those who commit fraud to collect benefits. The offenders will be disqualified from receiving future benefits until they reimburse the state, and penalty fees. If the overpayments total more than $1,000 the fraud case is sent to prosecutors.
The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) may also select benefit recipients for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESA) program. The LWC spells out the offerings provided through the program, which include:
· One-on-one meetings (in-person or virtual) with job experts.
· Help creating a job plan and finding work.
· Training and skill-building opportunities.
· Support for veterans transitioning to civilian jobs.
For more information about these acts, visit laworks.net. If you have any questions about fraud visit www.itsyourjobtoknow.com to learn more.
