Louisiana House Bill HCR32

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/9/13
• Report Pass: 4/16/13
• Engrossed: 4/25/13
• Refer: 4/29/13
• Report Pass: 5/21/13
• Passed: 5/23/13

Caption

Requests the La. State Law Institute to review child support guidelines and laws regarding custody and visitation relative to children with developmental disabilities

Impact

If enacted, HCR32 would trigger a comprehensive review of the child support system as it pertains to families with developmentally disabled children. The potential changes could allow for the extension of child support obligations beyond age 22 for full-time students with disabilities, which would align Louisiana's laws more closely with those of other states like Texas. Furthermore, by addressing custody and visitation rights, the resolution aims to ensure that parents of adult children with developmental disabilities retain the ability to remain actively involved in their children's lives, even after they reach adulthood.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 32 (HCR32) urges the Louisiana State Law Institute to review and propose changes to existing child support guidelines and laws related to custody and visitation for children with developmental disabilities. This legislative measure is driven by the recognition that children with such disabilities often require ongoing support that extends beyond the current age of majority, which many argue is 18. Notably, the resolution highlights the absence of regulations regarding custody and visitation for adult children with disabilities, emphasizing a need for thoughtful reform in this area.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR32 is largely positive, with support coming from various stakeholders who recognize the challenges faced by families with developmentally disabled children. Advocates argue that extending child support and clarifying visitation rights are critical steps toward protecting vulnerable children and providing them with necessary resources. However, potential opposition may arise from concerns about the financial implications of extending support obligations.

Contention

One notable point of contention may stem from differing perspectives on how best to support families with developmentally disabled children. Supporters believe the proposed guidelines could significantly improve outcomes for these families, ensuring they receive the appropriate support. In contrast, there might be concerns raised about the potential burden of financial support on the state and arguments regarding the adequacy of current laws to address these needs.