RDCSB81 447 3141
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)]
SB 81 Engrossed 2017 Regular Session Bishop
Proposed law, regarding curatorship proceedings, defines "diligent effort to locate" 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, relative to procedures for unidentified parents, provides that it is not necessary
to appoint a curator ad hoc for an unidentified father, including when no party to the
proceedings or the mother, if not a party, is unable to identify the putative father.
Proposed law further provides grounds and procedures relative to termination of parental
rights, right to counsel and service, and prehearing and scheduling conferences.
(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.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and
Procedure to the engrossed bill:
1. Add provisions specifying that it is not necessary to appoint a curator when the
mother is unable to provide a first and last name of the putative father.
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