Louisiana House Bill HB109

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/18
• Refer: 2/22/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 3/14/18
• Engrossed: 3/20/18
• Refer: 3/21/18
• Report Pass: 4/18/18
• Enrolled: 4/26/18
• Chaptered: 5/1/18
• Passed: 5/1/18

Caption

Re-creates the Department of Children and Family Services

Impact

The legislation has significant implications for state laws governing the operation and authority of social service agencies. The re-creation of the DCFS ensures uninterrupted provision of vital social services, highlighting the importance of legislative action in maintaining organizational continuity for agencies focused on family welfare. Additionally, the bill allows for the review and possible re-creation of the DCFS before the statutory authority expires on July 1, 2023, reflecting ongoing legislative engagement with the challenges and needs of children and families in Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 109 re-establishes the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and related statutory entities in Louisiana. The bill ensures that the department and its statutory entities will continue to exist beyond their previous termination date, providing necessary social services to the community. Specifically, the legislation extends the operational authority of the department, which is critical for addressing children's and family needs in the state. The effective date for this re-creation is set for June 30, 2018, thereby maintaining necessary services that may otherwise face interruption due to legal technicalities regarding their authority.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 109 appears largely supportive among lawmakers, as indicated by its unanimous passage in the Senate with a vote of 33-0. This demonstrates a bipartisan agreement on the critical nature of the services provided by the DCFS and an acknowledgment of the need for stable governance over such essential social support structures. The unanimous vote underscores a collective recognition of the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in Louisiana.

Contention

While the bill passed without opposition, discussions around its implementation may reveal points of contention in future legislative sessions. Concerns may arise regarding funding levels sustainable for the DCFS and the ability of the agency to effectively administer its responsibilities across diverse and sometimes underserved communities. Ensuring that statutory entities operate effectively and maintain public trust will be paramount as their authority continues under this re-creation and potential reforms to social service delivery systems are considered.