Louisiana House Bill HB608

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/10/21
• Engrossed: 5/18/21
• Refer: 5/19/21
• Report Pass: 6/2/21
• Enrolled: 6/9/21
• Chaptered: 6/29/21
• Passed: 6/29/21

Caption

Provides for $100,000 death benefit for an employee of the Department of Transportation and Development who is killed in a hazardous situation in the course and scope of his employment (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)

Impact

The implementation of HB 608 introduces specific legislative protections related to survivor benefits for DOTD employees, thus amending state laws to include mandatory financial compensation under defined circumstances. A notable aspect of the bill is its emphasis on requiring beneficiaries to sign liability waivers, which protects the department from further legal claims associated with the employee's death. This may influence perceptions toward workplace safety protocols and the legal ramifications of occupational hazards across the state.

Summary

House Bill 608 establishes a framework for providing death benefits to employees of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) who die as a result of injuries incurred during hazardous situations while performing their official duties. The bill stipulates that a payment of $100,000 will be awarded to the surviving spouse of the employee, or to their children or designated beneficiaries if no surviving spouse exists. This provision seeks to ensure financial security for families affected by the loss of a department employee due to work-related hazards, reinforcing the state’s commitment to supporting workers in dangerous roles.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 608 is generally supportive among proponents who see it as a necessary enhancement to worker protections, recognizing the risks faced by DOTD employees. However, there may also be critiques centered on the liability waiver aspect, where some stakeholders might argue that it places too much burden on families grieving the loss of a loved one, effectively limiting their recourse in the event of negligence.

Contention

A contentious point related to the bill lies in the conditions for payment, particularly the requirement for the waiver of rights to file suit against the department. Critics express concerns that this provision may undermine the accountability of the department regarding workplace safety measures. The challenge will be striking a balance between offering necessary benefits and maintaining robust accountability standards to ensure that the primary focus remains on preventing hazardous conditions in the workplace.