Louisiana House Bill HB556

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/17
• Refer: 3/31/17
• Refer: 4/10/17
• Report Pass: 5/2/17
• Engrossed: 5/18/17
• Refer: 5/22/17
• Report Pass: 5/30/17
• Enrolled: 6/4/17
• Chaptered: 6/14/17
• Passed: 6/14/17

Caption

Provides relative to sick leave granted to school bus operators, teachers, and other public school employees in certain instances (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill effectively strengthens protections for public school personnel who might face physical danger while on the job. It clarifies procedures for medical certification of injuries and enables school boards to require evaluations from designated physicians to ascertain the validity of disability claims. By formalizing these processes and ensuring full pay during recovery, the legislation aims to enhance the safety and well-being of public school employees, whilst also promoting a more supportive workplace environment.

Summary

House Bill 556 amends state law regarding sick leave for public school employees, specifically targeting provisions for teachers, school bus operators, and other personnel who may be injured or disabled due to physical encounters during their official duties. Under the new regulations, employees injured as a result of physical assault or battery in the course of their duties can receive sick leave without a reduction in pay. This sick leave can last up to one calendar year without impacting accrued sick days. The bill ensures that injured employees will not see their pay diminished while they recover.

Sentiment

Legislative sentiment surrounding HB556 appears largely positive, with a consensus among supporters that the bill addresses a critical gap in employee protections. Advocates argue that the bill acknowledges the risks that public school employees face and provides essential support during difficult times. However, potential concerns about the bill could center on implementation – ensuring that processes for verifying disabilities are fair and accessible without creating undue challenges for those seeking to claim their leave rights.

Contention

While there seems to be broad agreement on the need for enhanced sick leave benefits for school employees under certain circumstances, contention may arise around the mechanisms of verifying injuries and disabilities. The bill allows for a system of multiple physician evaluations if disputes occur, which could prompt debates regarding employee rights versus school board authority. Ensuring that these provisions do not unintentionally burden employees who are legitimately injured is likely to be a point of discussion as the bill is reviewed and potentially enacted.