House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to amend and reenact various provisions of Title 23 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, focusing on improving workforce and social service programs through technical corrections and revisions. The bill introduces new legal language, including the establishment of R.S. 23:1.1, which promotes integrated case management and service integration for individuals with diverse needs, allowing for streamlined access to multiple services through a single entry point. Additionally, the bill repeals outdated provisions and modifies the definitions and responsibilities of community action agencies, ensuring alignment with federal and state laws while enhancing their roles in anti-poverty, workforce, and family-support services.

The legislation also proposes amendments to unemployment benefits and the appeals process, including extending notification periods and allowing electronic communication for important notifications. It clarifies appeal procedures, extends deadlines during legal holidays, and increases penalties for fraudulent claims. Furthermore, the bill modifies the composition of the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Second Injury Board and shifts the method for determining weekly benefits from an annual to a semi-annual assessment based on unemployment rates. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the governance and operational efficiency of community action agencies and apprenticeship programs while streamlining processes within the workers' compensation and unemployment benefits systems in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB923 Original: 36:301(C)(1), 23:1178(D), 23:1226(C)(2), 23:1601(10)