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)]
Nancy Landry HB No. 1253
Abstract: Provides relative to responsibilities of local public school boards and local public
superintendents of schools with respect to sick leave.
Present law provides for general procedures with respect to sick and personal leave for school
bus operators, teachers, and other school employees. Further provides for an extension of such
leave in certain circumstances. Also provides that such employees shall be required to present a
certificate from a physician selected by the employee certifying the injury or disability.
Present law in general provides that, if the school board questions the validity or accuracy of the
physician certification provided for in present law, the school board may require the employee or
immediate family member to be examined by a physician selected by the school board. In such a
case, the school board shall pay all costs of the examination and any tests determined to be
necessary. If the physician selected by the school board certifies the injury or disability, then
leave shall be granted. If the physician selected by the school board disagrees with the
certification of the physician selected by the employee, then the school board may require the
employee to be examined by a third physician. All costs of an examination and any tests
required by a third physician shall be paid by the school board. The opinion of the third
physician shall be determinative of the issue. Also requires that the opinion of all physicians
consulted as provided in present law be submitted to the board in the form of a sworn statement
which shall be subject to the provisions of present law (R.S. 14:125) relative to the crime of false
swearing.
Proposed law retains present law except adds that the powers, duties, and responsibilities granted
in present law to a local school board with respect to questioning the validity or accuracy of such
certification, to requiring medical examination, and to physician selection apply to the board or
the local superintendent.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:500.2(E)(2)(a), (b), and (c), 1202(E)(2)(a), (b), and (c), and 1206.2(E)(2)(a),
(b), and (c))