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SB 382

WORKERS' COMPENSATION: Repeals provisions relative to the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alan Seabaugh

Repeals the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, removing its review and recommendations on proposed rules, effective August 1, 2026.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.
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Bill Summary · SB 382

Legislative Bill Summary: SB 382 (Louisiana) — 2026 Session

Title

WORKERS' COMPENSATION: Repeals provisions relative to the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council. (8/1/26)

Purpose and Intent

  • Eliminate the existing framework for the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) by repealing key statutes that establish and govern the council.
  • Replace the current advisory structure with no such mandated council, effectively removing its role in reviewing proposed rules and offering recommendations related to workers’ compensation administration.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Repeals:
    • R.S. 23:1294
    • R.S. 36:309(B)(2)
  • What is repealed specifically:
    • The creation of the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council within Louisiana Works.
    • The composition: a 17-member council domiciled in Louisiana, appointed by the governor to serve at the governor’s pleasure.
    • Duties and procedures: the council’s responsibility to review and make recommendations to the governor (through Louisiana Works) on proposed rules affecting the administration or resolution of claims.
    • Immunity provisions for council members (as defined under current law).
  • Effective date: August 1, 2026.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Louisiana Works (the state agency involved in workers’ compensation administration) would no longer have the WCAC in place to review proposed rules and provide policy recommendations.
  • Members and the governance framework of the WCAC would be removed; no further appointments, reporting, or immunity provisions related to the council would apply.
  • Stakeholders in Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system (employers, employees, insurers, and administrators) would operate under rules and processes without this advisory council’s review mechanism.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative status: Passed the Senate and House and enrolled; Rollout shows an effective date of August 1, 2026.
  • Enactment steps completed as of the engrossed bill, with the stated effective date set in the bill text.

Practical Impact and Context

  • The bill removes a formal advisory channel that previously allowed the governor, via Louisiana Works, to receive specialized input on proposed administrative rules governing claims handling and administration.
  • Possible impact includes shifting rulemaking considerations away from the WCAC’s formal review process to direct gubernatorial or agency action, depending on how Louisiana Works and the governor handle rulemaking post-repeal.
  • No alternative advisory structure is established in this bill; thus, the policy-making and rule-review function is removed unless other statutory or administrative mechanisms remain in place.

Notable Details

  • Sponsored by Senator Seabaugh; co-sponsored by Alan Seabaugh.
  • The bill’s text indicates a straightforward repeal with no transitional provisions or replacement framework introduced.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of the current WCAC provisions versus what changes when this bill takes effect, or a brief impact assessment for affected stakeholders (employers, workers, insurers).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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