Louisiana House Bill HR171

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/27/14
• Passed: 5/29/14

Caption

Requests that all public entities verify the pay practices of any private entities with whom they contract to ensure compliance with the Louisiana Equal Pay for Women Act

Impact

The implementation of HR171 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding employment practices. By holding private employers accountable for their pay practices when bidding on public contracts, it promotes a culture of fairness and equality within the workforce. The bill aligns with the Louisiana Equal Pay for Women Act, which mandates equal pay for equal work regardless of gender. This resolution encourages public entities to prioritize hiring practices that reflect these values, potentially influencing broader changes in workplace policies across the state.

Summary

House Resolution 171 urges public entities in Louisiana to verify the pay practices of private employers who contract with them to ensure compliance with the Louisiana Equal Pay for Women Act. The bill emphasizes the importance of closing the wage gap between men and women in the state and reinforces the existing laws concerning equal pay enacted in previous years. By requiring private employers to attest to their adherence to these pay practices through sworn affidavits, the resolution aims to promote transparency and accountability in public contracts.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HR171 appears to be positive among advocacy groups and supporters of gender equality. Proponents view the bill as a vital step towards addressing wage disparities that have persisted in Louisiana for years. However, there may be concerns or challenges from some private employers regarding the additional compliance requirements and potential bureaucratic hurdles involved in adapting to this new verification process. Nevertheless, the prevailing view is that promoting equal pay is a critical issue and necessary for fostering an equitable work environment.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HR171 is the feasibility of requiring private employers to provide sworn affidavits regarding their pay practices and ensure that subcontractors do the same. Questions may arise about the implications for small businesses, compliance burdens, and whether such requirements could deter companies from engaging in public contracts. While the objectives of improving wage equality are widely supported, ensuring that the proposed measures do not inadvertently create obstacles for businesses remains an important discussion within the legislative context.