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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 170
BY REPRESENTATIVE WHITNEY
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Workforce Commission, in consultation with the
Department of Health and Hospitals, to develop a referral process for the
rehabilitation of unemployment insurance applicants who were discharged from
previous employment due to drug use.
WHEREAS, the Legislature of Louisiana recognizes the importance of ensuring that
the citizens of our state are ready to work and live free of drug dependence; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the people of Louisiana that the population
of our state be free of physical and mental impairments associated with drug dependence;
and
WHEREAS, the legislature recognizes the importance of a safe and drug-free
workforce; and
WHEREAS, drug abuse creates significant workplace safety and health hazards and
can result in decreased productivity, more injuries on the job, and an increased cost to
employers; and
WHEREAS, in all cases of employment separation, the Louisiana Workforce
Commission requests the reason of separation for unemployment insurance applicants,
which makes the agency aware of drug-related discharges; and
WHEREAS, the office of behavioral health within the Department of Health and
Hospitals ensures care and support to improve quality of life for people with mental illness
and addictive disorders; and
WHEREAS, cooperation between the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the
Department of Health and Hospitals to refer persons in need to appropriate programs will
maximize the resources of state government to create a safe and sober workforce; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 170
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WHEREAS, upon successful rehabilitation, people with addictive disorders can
reenter the workforce of Louisiana as productive citizens.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Workforce
Commission, in consultation with the Department of Health and Hospitals, to develop a
referral process for the rehabilitation of unemployment insurance applicants who were
discharged from previous employment due to drug use.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Department of Health and Hospitals.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES