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 66 Reengrossed 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Beaullieu
Abstract: Provides relative to the state's unemployment insurance program by implementing an
unemployment insurance integrity program and data sharing.
Proposed law defines terms for the purposes of proposed law.
Proposed law provides that the La. Workforce Commission (LWC) shall be tasked with the
responsibility of enhancing the integrity of the state's unemployment insurance program.
Proposed law provides that in order to ensure the integrity of the unemployment insurance program
and to verify eligibility to prevent fraudulent filing and payment of claims, LWC is required to do
all of the following:
(1) LWC may use other commercially available database solutions to check new hire records
against the state's unemployment insurance rolls on a weekly basis.
(2) LWC, on a weekly basis, is required to check new hire records against the National
Directory of New Hires.
(3) LWC is required to check the Integrity Data Hub.
(4) LWC, on a weekly basis, shall check the unemployment insurance rolls against the La. Dept.
of Public Safety and Corrections' list of incarcerated individuals.
Proposed law provides when LWC receives information concerning an individual who is
participating in the unemployment compensation insurance program that indicates a change in
circumstances that may affect his eligibility, LWC shall review the individual's case and make a final
determination of his eligibility in accordance with the provisions in present law.
Proposed law requires LWC to provide an annual report to the legislature to include all of the
following:
(1) The department's rate of consistency in performing the weekly checks against the Integrity
Data Hub and National Directory of New Hires.
(2)The type and amount of improper payments detected retroactively. (3)The type and amount of improper payments prevented.
(4)The dollar amount the state has saved in preventing improper payments and, if any, in
recuperating improper payments.
Proposed law provides that LWC shall be the authority to execute a memorandum of understanding
with any, within reason, state department, agency, or division for data that is necessary to carry out
the purposes outlined in proposed law.
Proposed law provides that LWC shall promulgate all rules and regulations necessary for the
purposes of carrying out the provisions under proposed law.
Proposed law provides that proposed law shall be known and may be cited as the "Unemployment
Insurance Program Integrity Act of 2020" and that the purpose of proposed law is to enhance
program integrity for the state's unemployment insurance program.
Effective Jan. 1, 2021.
(Adds R.S. 23:1605)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Correct the name of the National Directory of New Hires.
2. Clarify that the definition "new hire records" means the directory of newly hired and
re-hired employees reported under state and federal law and managed by the Office
of Child Support Enforcement, not LWC.
3. Authorize LWC to use other commercially available database solutions to check new
hire records.
4. Mandate LWC to check the Integrity Data Hub.
5. Make technical changes.