Louisiana Senate Bill SB159

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/18
• Refer: 2/27/18
• Refer: 3/12/18

Caption

Repeals restrictions which prohibit local governmental subdivisions from enacting local labor ordinances which establish a minimum wage. (8/1/18)

Impact

The passage of SB 159 would have significant implications for state law regarding labor practices and local governance. By removing the prohibition on local wage laws, the bill allows municipalities to create their own standards, potentially leading to varied minimum wage rates across the state. Proponents argue that this flexibility will help communities attract and retain workers by setting higher wage standards that match local economic needs, thereby improving the overall standard of living for residents.

Summary

Senate Bill 159, introduced by Senator Carter, aims to repeal existing restrictions that prohibit local governmental subdivisions in Louisiana from enacting their own ordinances to establish a local minimum wage and conditions around employee benefits. This bill seeks to allow local governments more autonomy in setting wage standards that reflect the economic conditions and cost of living within their respective jurisdictions. By enabling local control, the bill intends to address disparities in wage standards and to support community-specific economic needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 159 is mixed among the legislature and stakeholders. Supporters believe that the bill empowers local governments to address unique economic challenges and the cost of living in their areas, which could lead to a more equitable labor market. Conversely, opponents express concerns that local minimum wage laws could disrupt business operations, lead to economic instability, and create an uneven playing field for employers, thus driving businesses away from certain areas.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding SB 159 involve the balance between local control and statewide consistency in labor laws. Critics fear that by allowing local subdivisions to set their own minimum wage laws, it may result in a fragmented economy, where businesses could face variances in the cost of labor depending on the locality. Additionally, concerns include the potential for lower-wage municipalities to struggle in competing with those that set higher local wage standards, possibly resulting in a migration of workers across regions which could exacerbate economic disparities.