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)]
Seabaugh HB No. 451
Abstract: Removes authority for public employees to withhold payroll deductions for union
fees. Authorizes union dues as a payroll deduction for law enforcement and firefighters.
Present law (R.S. 23:890) provides for the labor policy when a municipality or transit authority
acquires or operates a transportation facility.
Present law allows employees of the acquired facility to authorize deductions of wages and
salaries for the following purposes:
(1) Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement with a duly designated or certified labor
organization for the payment of union dues, fees, or assessments.
(2) For the payment of contributions pursuant to any health and welfare plan or pension or
retirement plan.
(3) For any purposes for which deductions may be authorized by employees of any private
employer.
Proposed law removes union dues as an authorized deduction.
Present law (R.S. 42:456) authorizes state employee payroll withholdings for the following:
(1)Mandated federal or state income withholdings, credit unions, garnishments, liens, union
dues, savings bonds programs, qualified United Way entities, health and life insurance
products offered through the office of group benefits, products having state participating
contributions, sponsored by the office of group benefits, which qualify and are offered
under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code (Cafeteria Plan).
(2)Products offered without state contributory participation which have been evaluated and
approved in accordance with rules and procedures promulgated by the commissioner of
administration.
Proposed law removes union dues as an authorized payroll withholding.
Present law (R.S. 42:457.1) authorizes professional law enforcement and firefighter association
payroll withholdings for the payment of dues to any professional state or local law enforcement or firefighter association which is located or is operating a chapter within the respective
jurisdiction, and to which the employee belongs.
Proposed law adds union dues as an authorized payroll withholding for professional law
enforcement and firefighters.
Present law (R.S. 42:457) authorizes any state, parish, or city employee to withhold from his
salary a specific amount for payment of his dues to any labor organization to which he belongs.
Proposed law repeals present law.
(Amends R.S. 23:890(F), R.S. 42:456(A)(1) and 457.1; Repeals R.S. 42:457)