LA HB533

Establishes a Louisiana income tax credit of $2.50 per hour (up to $2,500 per year) for employers who hire eligible apprentices, interns, or youth workers for at least 100 hours during the taxable period

Sets an annual credit cap starting at $1 million in 2026, increasing by $1 million each year if 80% or more of the prior year's cap was utilized, up to a maximum of $7.5 million

Defines eligible youth workers as individuals ages 15-23 who were unemployed before hiring and meet criteria such as lacking a high school diploma, receiving public assistance, being homeless, having justice system involvement, or being in foster care

Credits can only be earned between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2031, with unused credits carried forward up to five years but not exceeding taxes owed in any period

Sunsets the existing apprenticeship tax credit (R.S. 47:6033) after December 31, 2025, replacing it with this new broader program