HLS 14RS-1215 ENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 421
BY REPRESENTATIVE RITCHIE
FAMILY LAW: Provides relative to court-approved treatment programs required for a
parent with a history of family violence
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 9:362(7), relative to the Post-Separation Family Violence Relief2
Act; to provide for the definition of a "treatment program"; and to provide for related3
matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 9:362(7) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows: 6
ยง362. Definitions7
As used in this Part:8
* * *9
(7) "Treatment program" means a course of evaluation and psychotherapy10
designed specifically for perpetrators of family violence, and conducted by licensed11
mental health professionals or any other similar treatment program administered by12
an individual qualified by education, training, or experience in domestic violence13
treatment and approved by the court.14 HLS 14RS-1215 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 421
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Ritchie HB No. 421
Abstract: Amends the definition of a "treatment program" as used in the Post-Separation
Violence Relief Act to include a treatment program administered by an individual
qualified by education, training, or experience in domestic violence treatment and
approved by the court.
Present law requires one or more parents to complete a treatment program prior to awarding
custody or allowing visitation when there is a history of family violence. Defines "treatment
program" as a course of evaluation and psychotherapy designed specifically for perpetrators
of family violence. Further requires the treatment program to be conducted by a licensed
mental health professional.
Proposed law retains present law and expands the definition to include any other similar
treatment program administered by an individual qualified by education, training, or
experience in domestic violence treatment and approved by the court.
(Amends R.S. 9:362(7))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure
to the original bill.
1. Added requirement that the treatment program be administered by an individual
qualified by education, training, or experience in domestic violence treatment.