House Bill No. by Representative Carlson amends and reenacts several provisions of Louisiana law regarding employment certificates for minors, specifically R.S. 23:181, 184, 187, and 191, while repealing R.S. 23:183, 184(1), and 188. The bill introduces new requirements for the employment certificate form, which must now be prescribed and made available by the Secretary of Louisiana Works through the department's website or local field offices. The form will include signature lines for both the minor and their parent or legal guardian, a statement of consent, and a section for the minor to indicate their proofs of age. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement for school authorities to issue and approve these certificates, allowing minors to submit them directly to employers with parental consent.

The bill also clarifies that employment certificates will be valid only for the specific employer listed on the form and must be maintained by the employer for fourteen days after the minor's employment ends. It streamlines the process by eliminating the need for the minor to sign the certificate in the presence of an issuing authority and removes the requirement for the issuing authority to retain records of applications. The Secretary of Louisiana Works retains the authority to revoke certificates if they are improperly issued or if a minor is illegally employed, but the requirement to notify the issuing authority of such revocations has been removed. The changes are set to take effect on August 2, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB232 Original: 23:184