Louisiana First Hiring Act

On May 31, 2012, Governor Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill targeted at strengthening the coastal economy by promoting the hiring of residents of Louisiana’s coastal parishes for public works projects for coastal restoration and protection. Act No. 414, which became effective on August 1, 2012, opens a window of economic opportunity for local workers in projects planned and developed under the state’s $50 billion Coastal Master Plan for flood protection and ecosystem restoration.

Under Act No. 414, a contractor, within 10 days of the contract having been awarded, shall submit to the LWC: (1) the number and types of jobs anticipated for the project; (2) the skill level of the jobs anticipated for the project; (3) the wage or salary range for each job anticipated for the project; and (4) methods, if any, that the contractor will use to recruit unemployed persons or persons employed in low wage jobs to fill job openings for the project. Within 10 days of receipt of the required information, the LWC shall provide the contractor with a list of individuals eligible for employment. An eligible person shall be a resident of a parish within the coastal zone as defined by the Louisiana State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act.

The information submitted by contractors under Act No. 414 will also be used by the LWC to coordinate efforts with stakeholders for the purpose of better aligning workforce training to meet the needs of industry.