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 358 Original 2020 Regular Session Pressly
Abstract: Requires the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to be named as an
indispensable party in actions involving paternity and requires certification of the receipt of
support enforcement services in certain actions.
Present law requires DCFS to be named as an indispensable party to any proceeding involving a
support obligation or arrearages owed as part of the family or child support program.
Proposed law requires that only when providing support enforcement services, DCFS is to be named
as an indispensable party to any paternity proceedings or proceeding involving a support obligation
or arrearages owed under any circumstance.
Proposed law requires that in any action, pleading, or written stipulation in certain proceedings
relative to paternity or a support obligation, a party shall certify in the initial pleading whether
support enforcement services are being provided by DCFS on behalf of the child involved.
Proposed law provides that if support enforcement services are being provided, the party shall serve
a copy of the pleading or stipulation on DCFS.
Proposed law provides that if, during the pendency of the action, a child becomes the recipient of
support enforcement services, both parties shall notify the court and the court shall provide DCFS
with a copy of any hearing notice pertaining to a pending proceeding.
Proposed law provides that if notice is not given, DCFS shall not bound by any decision, judgment,
or stipulation rendered in the action.
Effective Jan. 1, 2021.
(Amends R.S. 46:236.1.9(C))