Louisiana House Bill HCR45

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/29/19
• Refer: 4/30/19
• Report Pass: 5/14/19
• Engrossed: 5/23/19
• Refer: 5/27/19
• Report Pass: 5/31/19
• Passed: 6/4/19

Caption

Requests the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to study laws and policies relative to benefits, including sick leave, for teachers at facilities under the jurisdiction of the office of juvenile justice who are injured or disabled as a result of assault or battery while acting in their official capacity

Impact

The resolution aims to clarify the benefits available to teachers in these unique circumstances, comparing them to benefits afforded to typical public school teachers. It acknowledges that while these educators serve similar roles to those in public schools, there is a disparity in the benefits they receive, particularly in relation to sick leave policies following assaults. The findings from the study are expected to inform future legislative actions, potentially leading to improved protections for these educators under state law.

Summary

HCR45 is a House Concurrent Resolution requesting the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to conduct a study concerning the laws and policies around benefits, particularly sick leave, for teachers at juvenile justice facilities. Specifically, it addresses situations where teachers may have been injured or disabled due to assaults while performing their official duties. There has been concern regarding inconsistencies in the treatment of these teachers compared to those in standard public schools, especially regarding their benefits in the event of such incidents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR45 appears to reflect a recognition of the risks faced by educators in juvenile justice settings. Supporters of the resolution underscore the necessity of ensuring that these teachers receive the same protections and benefits as their counterparts in traditional public schools, emphasizing the importance of their safety and well-being. There seems to be a general consensus that a review of current policies is overdue and would benefit both teachers and the students under their care.

Contention

Notably, the resolution raises questions about the broader implications of state policy regarding education in juvenile justice facilities. Critics may argue that it does not go far enough in providing immediate protections or that it might open avenues for further bureaucratic complexity. However, the overarching goal is to establish clearer guidelines and enhance the support systems for educators who operate in high-risk environments, ensuring they are adequately recognized and compensated for their service.