HLS 12RS-652 ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 127
BY REPRESENTATIVE DIXON
LABOR: Repeals the prohibition of smoking discrimination in the workplace
AN ACT1
To repeal R.S. 23:966, relative to smoking discrimination; to repeal the prohibition of2
smoking discrimination in the workplace; to provide for legislative intent; and to3
provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. It is the intent of the legislature of Louisiana that employers be free from6
unreasonable governmental restrictions related to employment policies. The legislature finds7
that Louisiana employee s have a right to lead a long and healthy life and that employers8
should be provided the opportunity to support these rights. The legislature further finds that9
escalating health care costs have placed a burden on employees and employers and that10
employers should be allowed the right to develop workforce policies which may lead to11
health improvement and increased productivity for employees that results in health care cost12
savings for both the employer and the employees. This Act may be cited as the "Louisiana13
Workforce Health Improvement Act".14
Section 2. R.S. 23:966 is hereby repealed in its entirety.15
Section 3. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not16
signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature17
by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If18
vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become19
effective on the day following such approval.20 HLS 12RS-652 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 127
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Dixon HB No. 127
Abstract: Repeals the prohibition of smoking discrimination.
Present law prohibits smoking discrimination in the workforce with regard to discharge,
compensation, promotion, and any other personnel action as long as the smoker complies
with applicable law and policy regarding smoking.
Present law prohibits an employer from requiring an employee to abstain from smoking.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Proposed law provides that the legislative intent is that employers be free from unreasonable
governmental restrictions related to employment policies and that the legislature desires that
La. employees and employers have an opportunity to healthy lives and lower healthcare
costs.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Repeals R.S. 23:966)