This bill enacts R.S. 40:1374.1, which establishes that the development of hearing loss during employment in the Louisiana Division of State Police is classified as an occupational disease. It defines hearing loss as a decrease of ten decibels or more, adjusted for aging, and provides affected employees with medical benefits, including hearing aids, regardless of their duty status at the time of diagnosis. The bill also introduces a rebuttable presumption that such hearing loss is work-related, which can be challenged if evidence shows that the work performed was not the primary cause of the condition. This presumption extends for 24 months post-termination of service.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all new hires in the division, starting August 1, 2024, undergo a baseline audiology examination, followed by evaluations every five years and a final assessment upon termination. The appointing authority is responsible for creating policies for these examinations. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not alter the eligibility criteria or benefit calculations for Louisiana public pension or retirement systems, and in case of any conflict with Title 11 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 11 provisions will take precedence.