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.