diff --git a/module/documents/actor.mjs b/module/documents/actor.mjs
index f3576a4..28e158f 100644
--- a/module/documents/actor.mjs
+++ b/module/documents/actor.mjs
@@ -7,8 +7,10 @@ export default class LethalFantasyActor extends Actor {
     if (data instanceof Array) {
       return super.create(data, options);
     }
-    // If the created actor has items (only applicable to duplicated actors) bypass the new actor creation logic
-    if (data.items) {
+    // If the created actor already has items (duplicated or imported) bypass the new actor creation logic.
+    // Use .length check because Foundry V2 initializes data.items as an empty array by default
+    // (truthy), which would incorrectly skip the layperson skill auto-population.
+    if (data.items?.length > 0) {
       let actor = super.create(data, options);
       return actor;
     }