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)]
HB 475 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Hoffmann
Abstract: Provides for the divisions and officers of the Dept. of Children and Family Services
(DCFS).
Present law divides DCFS into the division of programs and the division of operations and provides
for a deputy secretary for each division.
Proposed law renames the division of programs to the division of child welfare and renames the
division of operations to the division of family support. Proposed law further provides for an
assistant secretary for each division to be appointed by the governor.
Proposed law authorizes the secretary of DCFS to appoint a single deputy secretary to perform duties
and functions determined and assigned by the secretary. Proposed law requires the deputy secretary
to serve as acting secretary in the absence of the secretary.
Proposed law updates references to the division of operations and division of programs in present
law to either the division of child welfare or the division of family support.
Effective July 1, 2016.
(Amends R.S. 15:555(A)(17), R.S. 36:3(4), 9(C)(2)(intro. para.), 472(A), and 475, and R.S.
46:236.1.1(13); Adds R.S. 36:476)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Update references in present law provisions regarding the La. Sexual Assault Task Force
and family and child support programs.
3. Change the appointing authority for the assistant secretaries from the secretary of the
department to the governor.