The original instrument was prepared by Thomas L. Tyler. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Jerry
G. Jones.
DIGEST
SB 81 Engrossed 2017 Regular Session Bishop
Proposed law in Children's Code defines "diligent effort to locate" in curatorship proceedings to be
efforts by the curator, under circumstances known to the curator, that are reasonably calculated to
locate the absentee. Provides that these efforts may include review of court records, department
records, law enforcement records, vital records, military records, directory assistance, internet search
sites, and licensing agencies. Provides that publication is not required unless specifically provided
in the Children's Code.
Present law (Ch.C. Art. 405) provides for payment of curator fees from the parish or other funds
available to the court.
Proposed law delineates responsibility for payment of curator expenses and fees depending upon
whether the petitioner is the state or a private party.
Proposed law further provides relative to procedures for unidentified parents, including that it is not
necessary to appoint a curator ad hoc for an unidentified father, and grounds and procedures relative
to termination of parental rights, right to counsel and service, and prehearing and scheduling
conferences.
Effective August 1, 2017.
(Amends Ch.C. Arts. 405(A) and (B), 1016(A), and 1025.4(A)(2); adds Ch.C. Arts. 116(4.1),
643(C), 1004(D)(6), 1015(10), and 1023(C))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary A to the original bill
1. Added language relative to unidentified parents and termination of parental rights,
right to counsel and service, and prehearing and scheduling conferences.