House Bill No. by Representative Lyons amends the unemployment benefits eligibility criteria for certain school employees in Louisiana. The bill specifically repeals the prohibition on school employees, including crossing guards, from receiving unemployment benefits during established vacation periods or holiday recesses if they are expected to return to work afterward. It also introduces new provisions that allow school employees who are not engaged in instructional, research, or principal administrative roles to collect unemployment benefits during the summer term, provided they meet the necessary eligibility requirements.

The bill modifies existing law by amending R.S. 23:1600(6)(a)(iii) and (iv) and enacting R.S. 23:1600(9). The new language clarifies that eligible school employees can receive benefits only during the period between two successive academic terms. The repeal of R.S. 23:1600(6)(a)(ii) removes the previous restrictions on benefits for those in non-instructional roles, thereby expanding access to unemployment benefits for a broader range of school employees.

Statutes affected:
HB521 Original: 23:1600(6)