Bill > HB533

This bill establishes the Work-Based Learning Tax Credit to incentivize Louisiana businesses to employ apprentices, interns, and youth workers by offering a tax credit. The credit provides up to $2.50 per hour worked (or a maximum of $2,500) for each eligible employee who works at least 100 hours in a tax period. To be eligible, apprentices must be part of a registered apprenticeship program or in a National Center for Construction Education and Research accredited training program, interns must be participating in a regulated work-based learning program, and youth workers must be between 15 and 24 years old, unemployed before hiring, and meet specific socioeconomic criteria such as being from a low-income household, a foster care alumni, a veteran, or facing other documented challenges. The tax credit has a gradually increasing annual cap, starting at $1 million in 2026 and potentially increasing to $7.5 million, with credits available from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2031. Businesses must apply for the credit annually, and it can be carried forward for up to five years if the credit exceeds the current tax liability. The bill aims to address workforce development challenges by providing financial incentives for businesses to invest in training and employing young and disadvantaged workers.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB533&sbi=y