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)]
HB 548 Original 2019 Regular Session Cox
Abstract: Adds to the list of individuals that the La. Bureau of Criminal Identification and
Information shall make available to the Department of Children and Family Services.
Present law provides that the La. Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (the bureau)
shall make available to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) all criminal history
record information as defined in present law, R.S. 15:576, related to foster and adoptive parent
applicants. Proposed law adds to the applicants listed in present law, by including individuals
employed directly or indirectly by institutions or facilities providing or with the potential of
providing daily care or supervision to any child or youth in the custody of or under the supervision
of any La. state government agency.
Present law provides that the bureau shall facilitate national criminal history record checks on certain
individuals as it relates to the fostering and adopting of certain children subject to DCFS
investigation or custody. Proposed law adds to the applicants listed in present law, by including
individuals employed directly or indirectly by institutions or facilities providing or with the potential
of providing daily care or supervision to any child or youth in the custody of or under the supervision
of any La. state government agency.
Present law provides that DCFS is authorized to receive and screen the results of the state and
national criminal history record checks as it relates to the fostering and adopting of certain children
subject to DCFS investigation or custody. Proposed law gives DCFS authority to assess the
qualifications of individuals employed, directly or indirectly, by institutions or facilities providing
or with the potential of providing daily care or supervision to any child or youth in the custody of
or under the supervision of any La. state government agency as it relates to fostering and adopting
children.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 15:587(A)(2)(a) and (b))