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 507 Original 2017 Regular Session Price
Abstract: Provides with respect to the payment of wages.
Present law requires an employer to pay an employee the amount of wages owed to him after a
separation of employment.
Present law provides that if the employer fails to pay the wages owed, he is liable for 90 days wages
or for full wages from the date the employee demand for payment is made, whichever is the lesser
amount.
Proposed law retains present law and specifies that the 90 days wages owed are working days.
Present law requires an employer to pay the amount of wages not in dispute.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that an employer may assert a good-faith defense to
the payment of penalty wages.
Proposed law provides that a good-faith defense is not available to an employer who fails to timely
pay any undisputed wages.
Proposed law provides that proving a good-faith defense does not relieve the employer of his liability
to the employee for attorney fees and costs for a meritorious claim.
Proposed law provides that if the court finds that there is a joint employment relationship, each
employer is liable in solido for any wages, penalties, damages, interest, attorney fees, and costs
owed.
(Amends R.S. 23:632)