RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 645 (SB 73) 2018 Regular Session Gatti
Prior law prohibited the cutting, resection, excision, harvesting, removal, sale, receipt,
research, commerce, or transport of fetal organs, tissues, and body parts under circumstances
defined by prior law. Prior law provided penalties for violations of prior law. New law
retains prior law.
New law provides that the district attorney of the parish where a violation of prior law occurs
and the attorney general have concurrent authority to collect evidence, investigate, and
institute criminal proceedings for any violation of prior law.
New law creates the Fetal Organ Whistleblower Account in the state treasury. Requires that
the account be composed of any monies derived from appropriations by the legislature and
any gift, grant, devise, donation, or bequest of monies or properties of any nature or
description.
New law provides that an award of $1,000 is to be paid out of the Fetal Organ Whistleblower
Account to any person who provides evidence that results in the arrest and indictment of any
other person for a violation of law relative to fetal organs, tissues, and body parts. Provides
that eligibility for an award is to be determined by the district attorney or the attorney
general, as appropriate.
New law provides that all monies deposited in the Fetal Organ Whistleblower Account are
to be used solely to pay awards to persons as provided by law and are to be paid by the state
treasurer upon written order signed by the district attorney or the attorney general, as
appropriate. Provides that monies deposited in the Fetal Organ Whistleblower Account may
be used to pay reasonable costs of administering the account.
New law requires that the name and other identifying information of any person who is paid
an award from the account remain confidential.
Effective upon signature of the governor (June 1, 2018).
(Adds R.S. 14:87.3(F))