Louisiana House Bill HB86

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/18/12
• Engrossed: 4/30/12
• Refer: 5/1/12
• Report Pass: 5/8/12
• Enrolled: 5/22/12
• Chaptered: 5/31/12
• Passed: 5/31/12

Caption

Provides relative to requests of criminal history information from the FBI on certain individuals considered for involvement with the CASA program

Impact

The enactment of HB 86 is expected to streamline the process of obtaining criminal history information from the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, as well as requests made to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This provision not only enhances the screening process for CASA volunteers but also contributes to the overall safeguarding of children by ensuring that those advocating for their welfare do not have disqualifying criminal backgrounds. By facilitating simultaneous requests for information from both local and federal sources, the bill aims to create a more efficient system for securing critical data.

Summary

House Bill 86, sponsored by Representative Lopinto, aims to amend and reenact R.S. 15:587.1(J) to enhance the accessibility of criminal history information for individuals involved in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The bill allows CASA programs, defined by Louisiana's Children's Code, to access relevant criminal history data, including arrests and convictions. This access is intended to ensure that CASA programs can thoroughly vet individuals who may be advocating for children, thereby improving child protection efforts in the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 86 appears to be positive, particularly among child advocacy groups and legislators focused on child welfare. The legislative discussions reportedly highlight a collective recognition of the need for rigorous background checks for those involved in child advocacy roles. There is a general consensus that enhancing the vetting process can significantly bolster child protection measures. Key stakeholders, including legislators and child welfare advocates, seem to view the bill as a proactive step towards ensuring safer environments for vulnerable children.

Contention

While there is broad support for the bill, some skepticism may arise regarding the efficiency of the process and the potential for delays in accessing criminal history information. Concerns about privacy and the handling of sensitive information are also pertinent, as the bill involves accessing personal criminal records. However, the arguments in favor of the bill largely emphasize its importance in enhancing public safety and prioritizing the welfare of children, overshadowing potential points of contention in discussions.