HLS 18RS-684 ENGROSSED
2018 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 578
BY REPRESENTATIVES JOHNSON AND HUNTER
EMPLOYMENT/DISCRIMINATN: Prohibits forced arbitration in certain discrimination
disputes
1 AN ACT
2To enact R.S. 23:333, relative to sexual harassment and to the discrimination against
3 veterans contrary to the public policy of this state; to prohibit forced arbitration in
4 employment contracts; and to provide for related matters.
5Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 23:333 is hereby enacted to read as follows:
7 ยง333. Forced arbitration; prohibition; sexual harassment; prohibited discrimination
8 against a veteran
9 No employer shall require any employee to sign a predispute arbitration
10 agreement or any other contract which includes any provision that would mandate
11 arbitration in the instance of a sexual harassment accusation, claim, dispute, or a
12 dispute resulting from the unlawful discrimination against a veteran of the armed
13 forces of the United States.
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 578 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Johnson
Abstract: Prohibits an employer from mandating forced arbitration in sexual harassment
or veteran discrimination claims.
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 18RS-684 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 578
Present law prohibits intentional discrimination in employment against a veteran, intentional
discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and provides for penalties
for violations.
Proposed law prohibits an employer from requiring an employee to sign a contract that
would force arbitration in the instance of a sexual harassment claim or a claim of
discrimination against a veteran. Proposed law otherwise retains present law.
(Adds R.S. 23:333)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Labor and Industrial
Relations to the original bill:
1. Prohibit any employer from including a clause in any employment contract that
would force arbitration in a dispute for discrimination brought by a veteran for
unlawful discrimination in employment because of the employee's veteran status.
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.