Louisiana House Bill HB637

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/23/12
• Engrossed: 5/2/12
• Refer: 5/3/12
• Report Pass: 5/21/12

Caption

Provides with respect to employment discrimination and human rights (EG1 NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)

Impact

If enacted, HB 637 would amend existing laws to strengthen the provisions surrounding discrimination based on genetic information and other human rights-related matters. It seeks to align state laws with federal regulations and ensure that Louisiana's legal framework provides comprehensive protections against discrimination. This could lead to an increase in accountability for employers regarding how they handle genetic information and the measures they must take to prevent discrimination. The bill also supports the enforcement of human rights policies in the workplace, which might increase the number of reported discrimination cases as individuals feel more secure in challenging discriminatory practices.

Summary

House Bill 637 aims to update and reinforce laws concerning discrimination in employment and human rights in the state of Louisiana. The bill specifically addresses genetic discrimination, providing protections to employees from being discriminated against based on their genetic information. The proposed changes emphasize the need for compliance with existing federal civil rights laws while also enhancing local statutes. There is a shift in responsibility for regulating genetic monitoring from the executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission to the chairman of the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights, which indicates a move towards a more human rights-focused approach in oversight.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 637 appears to be supportive among advocacy groups that champion human rights and anti-discrimination efforts. Proponents believe that the bill enhances legal protections for vulnerable groups, particularly regarding genetic information, which is often underrepresented in current workplace policies. However, there may also be concerns among some legislators and business groups regarding the implications of increased regulatory oversight and the potential for increased litigation related to genetic discrimination, which they argue could create additional burdens for employers.

Contention

Notably, there are areas of contention related to the bill's provisions and the decision to shift regulatory responsibilities. Critics may argue that moving oversight to the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights rather than the Workforce Commission could lead to inconsistencies in how regulations are implemented and enforced. Additionally, there are concerns regarding how genetic monitoring is regulated and whether the privacy of employees will be adequately safeguarded under the proposed amendments. These debates reflect a larger conversation about the balance between necessary protections in the employment sector and the potential for overreach in regulatory measures.