Bill
SCR 14
Memorializes Congress to modify the federal H-2A program to better address Louisiana’s labor shortages, enabling farmers and seasonal employers to hire temporary workers.
Status and procedural history
- Bill type: Concurrent Resolution (SCR 14)
- Introduced: January 17, 2025
- Latest status: Sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate (5/30/2025)
- Effect: A concurrent resolution expresses the Legislature’s position and requests action by the U.S. Congress; it does not itself change state or federal law.
Purpose and intent
- The resolution memorializes (formally asks) the U.S. Congress to modify the federal H‑2A nonimmigrant agricultural worker program so it better addresses workforce shortages in Louisiana.
- The stated intent is to encourage federal changes that would help Louisiana employers — particularly in agriculture and other seasonal industries dependent on H‑2A labor — obtain the temporary workers they need to maintain production and operations.
Key provisions (as indicated by title and status)
- The measure is a memorializing concurrent resolution; it does not amend statutes. Typical elements in such a resolution would:
- State the existence and scope of Louisiana’s labor shortages (particularly in agriculture/seasonal industries) and the importance of H‑2A workers to the state economy.
- Request that Congress consider specific modifications to the H‑2A program (for example: streamline application processes, adjust caps or numerical limits, address timing and seasonality constraints, reduce administrative burdens or fees, or improve portability/returning-worker procedures). Note: the actual text of SCR 14 was not provided, so specific requested changes cannot be quoted here.
- Direct that copies of the resolution be transmitted to designated federal officials (e.g., members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation, U.S. Secretary of Labor, U.S. Department of Homeland Security).
Who would be affected
- If Congress acted on the requested modifications:
- Louisiana agricultural producers, aquaculture, and other seasonal employers could gain greater access to temporary foreign workers to fill acute labor gaps.
- Prospective H‑2A workers and their families (sourcing countries) would be affected by any changes in program access or conditions.
- State agencies and community partners involved in worker recruitment, housing, health and monitoring could see operational impacts.
- As a resolution, SCR 14 itself primarily affects intergovernmental relations (state → federal) and signals the Legislature’s policy priorities.
Potential impact and next steps
- The resolution aims to influence federal policy rather than create immediate legal changes. Its practical impact depends on whether Congress or federal agencies pursue the requested modifications.
- For a precise list of the modifications SCR 14 requests (if any), or the full operative text, please provide the resolution text or a link; I can then produce a clause‑by‑clause summary and assess likely federal and state impacts in greater detail.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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