Louisiana Fair Hiring Laws

Various laws are in effect that impact employment, including some that dictate the regulations around recruiting and hiring new employees. Review our detailed guide to fair hiring laws in Louisiana and how they differ from federal regulations.

What Are Fair Hiring Laws?

Fair hiring laws are regulations administered federally by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Department of Labor (DOL). They apply across all states in the U.S., although some states have stricter laws in place. More than 180 laws cover workplace activities, protecting more than 165 million workers. Some of these related to the process of recruiting and hiring new employees.

What Are “Ban-the-Box” Laws?

Ban-the-box laws limit when an employer can ask about a candidate’s criminal history during the hiring process. The term refers to eliminating the box that must be checked on a traditional application when the individual has such a record.

Does Louisiana Have Fair Hiring Laws That Differ from Federal Fair Hiring Laws?

Yes, some fair hiring laws in Louisiana differ from federal laws. One example is the Fair Chance law, which limits what types of criminal history employers may consider during the hiring process. It applies to employers with 20+ employees that conduct criminal background checks, requiring that they conduct assessments to determine whether a history is relevant to the job. Additionally, the law restricts employers from eliminating candidates based on arrests that did not result in convictions.

Do Louisiana Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Federal Equal Pay Act (EPA)?

Louisiana law does not specifically refer to equal pay based on sex, so employers must adhere to the federal law.

Do Louisiana Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)?

Louisiana follows the ADEA.

Do Louisiana Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law matches the protections and requirements outlined in the ADA.

Do Louisiana Hiring Laws Match or Differ from the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)?

Under Louisiana state law, employers may not discriminate during the hiring process based on genetic information. The law also limits genetic testing requirements in the workplace.

If an employee needs to obtain genetic testing or screening, the employer must provide one day’s leave of absence. It does not have to be paid, but the employer must allow the employee to use any accrued paid time off. Employees must provide at least 15 days’ notice when scheduling the leave. An employer cannot require the employee to share the results.

Do Louisiana Hiring Laws Match or Differ from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Louisiana follows Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Are There Different Fair Hiring Laws in Cities or Municipalities Across Louisiana?

Prior to the passing of the statewide ban-the-box law, New Orleans and Baton Rouge implemented similar laws.

With the right tools, ensuring fairness when recruiting and hiring doesn’t have to cause problems. Learn more about the applicant tracking capabilities built into WorkforceHub, like automation of data tracking and reporting for valuable insights. We can help your business maintain compliance with fair hiring regulations.