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)]
HB 542 Original 2016 Regular Session Hodges
Abstract: Limits prohibitions on the types of discrimination in employment to only those traits and
choices protected in law as well as extend this limit to policies in the workplace including
attire, the way an employee is addressed, and the use of restrooms designated for the sex the
individual was designated at birth.
Present law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex,
age, disability, or national origin. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides definitions. Proposed law adds definitions for "sex designated at birth" and for
"restroom".
Proposed law allows an employer to institute policies regarding dress code in the workplace.
Proposed law provides that an employer shall not require any employee, contract worker, or
contractor to address someone with a title, name, or pronoun inconsistent with his sex designated
at birth and legal name.
Proposed law allows employers to designate restrooms as sex-specific and may restrict the use of
the sex-specific restrooms to persons designated to that sex at birth.
Proposed law requires that the discrimination policy of state agencies be limited to human traits or
choices protected in state and federal law. Proposed law further provides that a state agency shall
not require any employee, contract worker, contractor, customer or visitor to address someone with
a title, name, or pronoun inconsistent with his sex designated at birth or name.
Proposed law provides that the prohibitions in present law against discrimination are limited to those
qualities protected by present law, including race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or
national origin.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 51:2231; Adds R.S. 23:302(9) and (10) and 304-306)