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 556 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Glorioso
Abstract: Provides for the calculation and determination of an annual cost-of-living adjustment for
permanent total disability benefits.
Proposed law provides that for any compensable injury occurring on or after Aug. 1, 2024, where
an employee has received permanent total disability benefits for a period greater than three
consecutive years, the injured employee shall be entitled to an annual adjustment in the weekly
compensation benefit rate for permanent total benefits.
Proposed law provides that the weekly compensation benefit rate shall be equal to the percentage
by which the maximum weekly compensation rate calculated pursuant to present law (R.S. 23:1202)
increases. Proposed law further provides that the rate shall not be less than zero percent and not
exceed a maximum annual increase of 5%.
Proposed law provides that the adjusted weekly benefits shall not exceed the maximum weekly rate
as updated and provided for in present law (R.S. 23:1202).
Proposed law requires the assistant secretary to publish the percentage amount of any increase or
decrease of the weekly compensation benefit rate no later than Sept. 1
st
of each year.
Proposed law provides that the lump sum settlements provided for in present law (R.S. 23:1274)
shall be determined based on the compensation rate in effect on the date the settlement is filed with
the assistant secretary. Proposed law further provides that the amounts payable as compensation due
to the employee or his dependents shall not include any potential future annual adjustments.
(Adds R.S. 23:1221(2)(f))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations
to the original bill:
1. Remove the definition of consumer price index and cost-of-living adjustment from the
bill.
2. Change the calculated percentage of the injured employee's average weekly wage at the time of injury from not exceeding 66 2/3% to not exceeding 100%.
3. Revise provisions of proposed law regarding the calculation of the percentage of an
injured employee's average weekly wage.
4. Revise provisions of proposed law regarding the calculation of the adjusted average
weekly wage of an injured employee.
5. Change the month from August to September for when an injured employee receives an
adjustment in their weekly compensation rate.
6. Clarify that the adjustment in weekly benefits is only for injuries that result in permanent
total disability.
7. Make technical changes.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Provide for the calculation and determination of an annual cost-of-living adjustment for
permanent total disability benefits.
2. Make technical changes.