This bill amends Louisiana's unemployment compensation laws, specifically R.S. 23:1601(8), to enhance penalties for individuals who commit fraud in obtaining benefits. It establishes that individuals who make false statements or fail to disclose material facts to increase their benefits will be disqualified from receiving benefits until they repay the overpaid amount plus any penalties, or until ten years have passed since the disqualification. Additionally, the bill stipulates that all benefits paid during the fraudulent weeks must be repaid immediately, and it introduces a new provision that allows claimants to respond to notifications regarding unreported wages within seven days.

Furthermore, the bill enacts R.S. 23:1714(D), which mandates that any overpayment of benefits amounting to one thousand dollars or more, obtained through fraud, must be referred to the district attorney's office. Acceptance of such overpayments will be classified as theft, provided there is proof of fraud. Importantly, the bill clarifies that a criminal referral or conviction is not required for the administrator to impose civil penalties related to these fraudulent claims. The provisions of this act will take effect on December 31, 2024.

Statutes affected:
HB247 Original: 23:1601(8)
HB247 Engrossed: 23:1601(8)
HB247 Enrolled: 23:1601(8)
HB247 Act : 23:1601(8)