The original instrument was prepared by Brandi Cannon. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Cheryl
Serrett.
DIGEST
SB 63 Re-Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session Mizell
Present law provides for reports of child abuse or neglect where the abuser is believed to be a parent
or caretaker, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the
parent or caretaker, or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse
whether married or not to be made to the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Further
provides that all other reports are to be made to a local or state law enforcement agency.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that if a report involves alleged sex trafficking, the
provisions of proposed law also apply and all mandatory reporters shall report to DCFS regardless
of whether there is alleged parental or caretaker culpability.
Proposed law provides that DCFS shall communicate as soon as possible all reports involving
alleged child victims of sex trafficking to the La. State Police for referral to local law enforcement.
Present law provides for the duties and responsibilities of DCFS to administer the public assistance
laws of the state.
Proposed law retains present law duties of DCFS and adds the responsibility to make care
coordination and advocacy services available for victims of child sex trafficking.
Proposed law describes the services that may be provided as care coordination and advocacy
services.
Effective January 1, 2023.
(Amends Ch.C. Art 610(A)(1); adds Ch.C. Art. 610(E)(4) and R.S. 46:51(16))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill
1. Requires mandatory reporters to report all alleged child victims of sex trafficking.
2. Requires DCFS to report to the LSP.
3. Allows DCFS to delegate its duties under proposed law. 4. Provides for optional services for parents who have no culpability.
5. Changes the effective date.
6. Makes technical changes.
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the engrossed bill
1. Removes required actions by DCFS when a child has been identified as a victim of
sex trafficking.
2. Removes provisions authorizing DCFS to delegate the performance of required
actions relative to child victims of sex trafficking.
3. Removes DCFS rulemaking requirement.
4. Adds making care coordination and advocacy services available for victims of child
sex trafficking to duties of DCFS and describes these services.
Senate Floor Amendments to reengrossed bill
1. Makes technical changes.