§ 23:1 — Louisiana Works established; purpose; definitions

§1. Louisiana Works established; purpose; definitions
A. Louisiana Works is hereby created and established to operate an integrated
workforce development delivery system in this state, in particular through the integration of
case management, job training, employment and employment-related education and training
programs, and to administer the state's vocational rehabilitation services, independent living
services, and blind services programs, and to administer the state's unemployment, workers'
compensation, and certain family support programs.
B. The duties of this department shall be exercised and discharged under the
supervision and direction of the secretary. He shall have charge of the administration and
enforcement of all laws, rules, policies, and regulations, which it is the duty of the
department to administer and enforce, and shall direct all inspections and investigations,
except as otherwise provided by law.
C. The department shall meet the needs of all of the following:
(1) The employers of this state for the development of a highly skilled and
productive workforce.
(2) The workers of this state for education, skills training, and labor market
information to enhance their employability, earnings, and standard of living.
(3) The people of this state for a smooth and effective transition into the workforce,
particularly persons receiving public assistance, displaced homemakers, displaced workers,
adults with limited literacy skills, individuals with disabilities, and students moving from
school to work.
(4) The communities of this state for programs that create jobs, attract employers,
and encourage business expansion and retention.
(5) The taxpayers of this state for the efficient and effective expenditure of tax
revenues for workforce development.
(6) Individuals of this state with disabilities for vocational rehabilitation, independent
living services, and blind services under the Rehabilitation Act and the Randolph-Sheppard
Act.
D. As used in this Title, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following
terms are defined as follows:
(1) "Council" means the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council.
(2) "Customer" means an individual who is eligible to receive assistance through
Louisiana Works workforce or social service programs.
(3) "Department" means Louisiana Works.
(4) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department.

Legislative History

Acts 1983, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, §6; Acts 1989, No. 512, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1992, No. 447, §1, eff. June 20, 1992; Acts 2003, No. 933, §2; Acts 2008, No. 743, §2, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2010, No. 939, §2, eff. July 1, 2010; Acts 2018, No. 380, §1, eff. June 30, 2018; Acts 2025, No. 478, §7, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.