The original instrument was prepared by Xavier I. Alexander. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Martha
Hess.
DIGEST
SB 129 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Gatti
Proposed law provides that a person in foster care and the person’s foster parents shall continue to
receive all benefits and services of the foster care program after the person’s 18th birthday, if the
person is a full-time high school student until the person’s high school graduation or 21st birthday,
whichever comes first.
Proposed law provides that acceptance of these benefits shall not deprive the person in foster care
of any rights or obligations conferred by attaining the age of majority.
Proposed law specifies that the benefits and services provided shall not impose any obligation of
reimbursement on the recipients.
Proposed law specifies that the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify all foster
children and their foster parents or other custodians in writing of the availability of these benefits
and services upon the child’s 17th birthday, and every ninety days thereafter until the child’s 18th
birthday, unless the foster child and foster parents or other custodians have already consented in
writing to participate.
Proposed law provides that it shall take effect and become operative if and when S.B. No. 555 of the
2018 R.S. is enacted into law and becomes effective.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 46:286.24)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the engrossed bill
1. Provides that a person in foster care and the person’s foster parents shall continue to
receive all benefits and services of the foster care program after the person’s 18th
birthday, if the person is a full-time high school student until the person’s high school
graduation or 21st birthday, whichever comes first.
2. Provides that acceptance of these benefits shall not deprive the person in foster care
of any rights or obligations conferred by attaining the age of majority.
3. Specifies that the benefits and services provided shall not impose any obligation of reimbursement on the recipients.
4. Specifies that the Department of Children and Family Services shall notify all foster
children and their foster parents or other custodians in writing of the availability of
these benefits and services upon the child’s 17th birthday, and every ninety days
thereafter until the child’s 18th birthday, unless the foster child and foster parents or
other custodians have already consented in writing to participate.
5. Applies a contingency that this Act shall take effect and become operative if and
when Senate Bill No. 555 of the 2018 Regular Session of the Legislature is enacted
into law and becomes effective.