Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB48

Introduced
2/18/20  
Introduced
2/18/20  
Refer
2/18/20  
Refer
2/18/20  

Caption

Provides for an exception for certain applicants for employee permits seeking to work in locations permitted by ATC as a restaurant.

Impact

SB 48's proposed changes are significant as they alter the eligibility landscape for restaurant employment, particularly impacting individuals with felony records who are seeking reintegration into the workforce. The bill is designed to help decrease barriers to employment, promoting second chances for otherwise disqualified individuals, which may lead to improved employment opportunities in the hospitality sector. However, this change also emphasizes the balance required between ensuring public safety through responsible licensing and offering rehabilitative opportunities for former offenders.

Summary

Senate Bill 48, introduced by Senator Carter, aims to amend the Alcohol Beverage Control Law by providing exceptions to certain eligibility requirements for individuals seeking employment permits at locations permitted as restaurants. The bill specifically allows those who have felony convictions, provided they are not for violent crimes, drug distribution, or sex offenses, to be eligible for employment in restaurants under specific conditions. Applicants must meet additional requirements, including no subsequent convictions for the specified offenses within ten years and obtaining approval from the commissioner of alcohol and tobacco control prior to employment.

Sentiment

Sentiment around SB 48 appears to be supportive from those advocating for criminal justice reform and reintegration of former offenders into society. Proponents argue that it reflects a more compassionate approach to employment, recognizing the importance of reducing recidivism through stable job opportunities. Conversely, concerns may arise from those prioritizing public safety, who are wary of relaxing eligibility criteria for positions in establishments serving alcohol, which might be viewed as a risk if not properly scrutinized.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to SB 48 center around the specifics of the exceptions regarding felony convictions. The definitions of 'crimes of violence' and the delineation of which felonies would still permit individuals to work in restaurants could stir debates among lawmakers, with potential arguments centered on the appropriateness of allowing individuals with certain felony histories to serve alcohol. Furthermore, the requirement for commissioner approval adds a layer of complexity and potential bureaucratic hurdles that could be subject to scrutiny, as compliance from both the applicants and the regulatory body could present challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA AB1915

An act to amend Section 7099.2 of, and to add Section 7110.2 to, the Business and Professions Code, to add Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 66360) to Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, and to amend Sections 113818, 113941, 113953, 114157, 114201, 114259.2, 114271, and 114349 of, and to add Sections 18941.18, 113838, and 114009 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to restaurants.

LA S4224

Permits certain farm-to-table restaurants to acquire plenary retail consumption license.

LA A5106

Permits certain farm-to-table restaurants to acquire plenary retail consumption license.

LA S3983

Establishes Restaurant Meals Program in DHS; permits certain individuals to use SNAP benefits at approved restaurants; requires participation by certain restaurants operated by institutions of higher education.

LA HB1618

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, providing for restaurant satellite location permit.

LA SB345

To Promote Tourism And Economic Development By Improving Efficiency Of The Private Club Permitting Process Of Hotels, Restaurants, And Large-event Facilities; And To Remove An Overly Burdensome Tax Requirement.

LA SF155

A bill for an act prohibiting employers and employment agencies from seeking the criminal record or criminal history from applicants for employment under certain circumstances, establishing a criminal history employment application task force, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.

LA S565

Permits certain alcoholic beverage manufacturers to coordinate food service with certain third-party vendors and operate restaurant on licensed premises.

LA A1149

Allows certain restaurants with retail licenses to deliver alcoholic beverages and food in preloaded delivery vehicles.

LA S3389

Allows certain restaurants to advertise that patrons may consume alcohol purchased off the restaurant premises; allows restaurants to charge corkage or service fee.

Similar Bills

AZ HB2304

appropriations; transportation projects

AZ HB2304

Appropriations; highway and road projects

TX SB2021

Relating to the interconnection and integration of distributed energy resources.

CA SB913

Resource adequacy: aggregated distributed capacity resources.

CA AB1975

Electrical corporations: distribution grid utilization metric.

NV SB379

Revises provisions relating to commerce. (BDR 55-336)

US HB1664

Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025

IN SB0518

School property taxes.