HLS 14RS-1215 REENGROSSED
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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 program, comprised of a minimum of twenty-six in-12
person sessions, that follows a model designed specifically for perpetrators of13
domestic abuse. The offender's progress in the program shall be monitored by the14
court. The provider of the program shall have all of the following:15
(a) Experience in working directly with perpetrators and victims of domestic16
abuse.17
(b) Experience in facilitating batterer intervention groups.18 HLS 14RS-1215 REENGROSSED
HB NO. 421
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
(c) Training in the causes and dynamics of domestic violence, characteristics1
of batterers, victim safety, and sensitivity of victims.2
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 comprised of a minimum of
twenty-six in-person sessions that follows a model designed specifically for
perpetrators of domestic abuse.
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 changes present law by defining a "treatment program" as used in the Post-
Separation Violence Relief Act as a treatment program comprised of a minimum of 26 in-
person sessions that follows a model designed specifically for perpetrators of domestic
abuse. Requires the provider of the program to have all of the following:
(1)Experience in working directly with the perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse.
(2)Experience in facilitating batterer intervention groups.
(3)Training in the causes and dynamics of domestic violence, characteristics of
batterers, victim safety, and sensitivity of victims.
(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.
House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill.
1. Changed the definition of a treatment program to one that is at least 26, in-person
sessions and is monitored by the court.
2. Required the provider of the program to have specialized experience and
training.