House Bill No. [insert number] seeks to establish the "Louisiana Earned Wage Access Services Act," which will be incorporated into the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The bill defines essential terms such as "consumer," "provider," and "earned but unpaid income," and outlines the responsibilities of providers, including the development of consumer complaint policies, fee disclosures, and compliance with privacy laws. Notably, it mandates that providers offer at least one no-cost option for consumers to access their earned wages and prohibits practices such as compelling repayment through legal action or unsolicited calls.
Furthermore, the bill sets specific prohibitions for providers, including the sharing of consumer fees with employers, requiring credit checks for service eligibility, and charging late fees or interest on unpaid amounts. It clarifies that compliance with the act will exempt providers from being classified as engaging in lending or debt collection, provided they adhere to the outlined requirements. The legislation also emphasizes the voluntary nature of tips and donations, ensuring consumers are informed that these are not contingent on the provision of services, and mandates transparency in solicitation practices.