Louisiana House Bill HB801

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/16/12
• Engrossed: 4/26/12
• Refer: 4/30/12
• Report Pass: 5/21/12
• Enrolled: 5/24/12
• Chaptered: 6/7/12
• Passed: 6/7/12

Caption

Provides relative to the reemployment of employees who have resigned or retired from the classified service due to injury (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

Impact

The bill introduces notable changes to the existing laws regarding the reemployment of public service employees. By emphasizing that reemployment is permissible at any time and that prior seniority is maintained, HB 801 aims to support employees who may experience interruptions in their careers due to health-related issues. The legislation underscores a commitment to protecting the rights of workers in public service who face challenges in continuing their employment due to injuries.

Summary

House Bill 801 aims to provide a framework for the reemployment of regular employees in the municipal fire and police civil service who have resigned or retired due to an injury. The bill allows such employees to be reemployed at any time following their resignation or retirement, provided they have prior approval from the board. This provision ensures that employees who have sustained compensable injuries can return to work in a position within their prior class or a lower class, thereby facilitating their reintegration into the workforce after recovery.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 801 appears to be positive, with bipartisan support for its objectives of providing equity and support for injured employees. Legislators and stakeholders generally acknowledge the importance of allowing employees a path back to their roles after incapacitation. The measure is seen as a compassionate approach to workplace challenges, emphasizing the need for systems that accommodate noneconomic factors such as health and personal circumstances.

Contention

While the discussions did not reveal significant opposition to the bill, there may still be points of contention regarding the implementation details, such as the criteria for determining eligibility for reemployment and the approval process from the board. Ensuring that these criteria are clear and fair will be essential to the successful enactment of the bill, as inconsistencies in application could lead to disputes or confusion among employees seeking reemployment.