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 302 Original 2019 Regular Session Bouie
Abstract: Provides requirements for discrimination in employment and creates the Louisiana
Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
Present law provides definitions for employee, employer, employment agency, genetic monitoring,
genetic services, genetic test, labor organization, and protected genetic information.
Proposed law retains present law and adds definitions for sexual orientation and gender identity.
Present law provides that it shall be unlawful discrimination in employment if the employer
discriminates against the individual based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that discrimination against an individual shall include age,
sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Present law provides that application for licensure shall not be denied based on race, religion, creed,
national origin, sex, or physical impairment.
Proposed law retains present law to add no application for licensure shall be denied for age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Proposed law provides that no provision of present law or proposed law regarding intentional
discrimination in employment shall be interpreted to infringe upon the freedom of expression,
association, or the free exercise of religion.
Proposed law exempts religious corporations, associations, educational institutions or in situations
of learning or society that employs an individual of a particular religion to perform work connected
to a religious activity.
Proposed law provides that proposed law shall be called the "Louisiana Employment Non-
Discrimination Act" or "LENDA".
(Amends R.S. 23:332(A)(1) and (2), (B), (C)(1) and (2), (D), (E), (H)(1), (3) and (4), R.S.
37:1025(B), 1107(C), 1360.23(H), 1437(D), 2719, 3425(C), 3447(C), and R.S. 40:1133.1(C); Adds
R.S. 23:302(9) and (10), and 332 (I) and (J))