Senate Bill No. by Senator Duplessis amends R.S. 23:386 to establish specific eligibility requirements for the Louisiana Youth Apprentice program. The bill defines an "apprentice" as a worker at least sixteen years old who is engaged in learning an apprenticeable occupation through a written agreement with an employer. The new provisions introduce the term "Louisiana Youth Apprentice," which refers to apprentices who are no older than twenty-four years of age and have entered into a written apprentice agreement that includes a minimum of 375 hours of reasonably continuous employment and participation in an approved training program.

The proposed law retains the existing definitions and requirements for apprentices while adding the criteria for Louisiana Youth Apprentices. These criteria ensure that participants not only gain practical work experience but also achieve educational milestones, such as obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent and earning an advanced industry-based credential or certificate. The changes will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB322 Original: