House codifies employer-reporting portal, raises weekly work-search requirement to five activities

Representative Hebert told members that House Bill 153 has three core provisions: codify an existing Louisiana Workforce Commission reporting portal for missed interviews, increase the required weekly work-search activities from three to five, and require the commission to adopt rules to define acceptable work-search actions that the legislature could later codify.

"This bill would codify that and put that into statute, because it's a practice that has already been in process and is working," Representative Hebert said, describing the portal the department implemented in the previous year.

Supporters said the portal has produced data and that employers had asked for the tool. Hebert said the portal received about 3,500 name submissions over the first year and that, after investigation, a small fraction—about 31—were found to be ineligible or in violation of reporting criteria.

Members raised concerns about practical effects on claimants, especially in rural areas. Representative Willard asked why the legislature should move from three to five weekly work-search actions and whether the change would disadvantage residents in parts of the state with fewer local opportunities. Hebert said the department will define acceptable activities by rule and will return proposed rules to the legislature for review. Representative Phelps and others urged the department to clarify whether training programs are already in place and how they would be administered if listed as acceptable search activities.

Hebert offered and the House adopted a technical amendment that restored statutory language specifying that participation in an approved training program occurs "when so directed by the administrator." The sponsor said that language clarifies who approves training programs as acceptable work-search activity.

The House approved HB 153 on final passage, 73 yeas to 24 nays. Supporters said the measure formalizes an administrative practice and gives the Workforce Commission authority to adopt clear rules that the legislature will be able to review.

Discussion vs. decision: The House decision was to pass HB 153. The debate produced directions about rulemaking (LWC to define acceptable work-search activities and training programs) and raised concerns about rural access and the administrative burden on claimants.

What happens next: The Louisiana Workforce Commission will draft rules defining acceptable work-search activities and training-program criteria; the commission also will operate and maintain the employer reporting portal now placed into statute.