Louisiana's Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee has rejected a bill that would have allowed hospitals to factor smoking into employment action, including hiring new employees, according to a Times-Picayune report.
Under current state law, employers are prohibited from hiring, promoting or firing employees based on their tobacco use. The proposed Senate Bill 113 would have repealed that law. Proponents of the bill, including Sen. Fred Mills (R-New Iberia), say the bill could help curbs healthcare costs. Meanwhile, opponents say the bill unfairly threatens job opportunities for individuals who smoke or who are exposed to second-hand smoke, according to the report.
The Senate committee rejected the measure on a 3-2 vote.
Under current state law, employers are prohibited from hiring, promoting or firing employees based on their tobacco use. The proposed Senate Bill 113 would have repealed that law. Proponents of the bill, including Sen. Fred Mills (R-New Iberia), say the bill could help curbs healthcare costs. Meanwhile, opponents say the bill unfairly threatens job opportunities for individuals who smoke or who are exposed to second-hand smoke, according to the report.
The Senate committee rejected the measure on a 3-2 vote.
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