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 5 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Frieman
Abstract: Provides for the payment of out-of-pocket pregnancy-related medical expenses from the
biological father.
Proposed law provides that the biological mother of a child may recover 50% of documented out-of-
pocket pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father of the child.
Proposed law provides that the biological mother may institute the action only if the paternity of the
child has been proved by clear and convincing evidence.
Proposed law provides for examples of recoverable out-of-pocket medical expenses including actual
medical expenses incurred by the biological mother for prenatal care, those incurred by the biological
mother and child incident to birth, and any additional expense authorized by order of the court if
found to be reasonable and necessary.
Proposed law provides that the action shall be instituted within a peremptive period of two years
from the day of the birth of the child.
(Amends the heading of Part 1-B of Chapter 1 of Code Title VII of Book I of Title 9 of the La.
Revised Statutes of 1950; Adds R.S. 9:399.2)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to the
original bill:
1. Make technical changes to the structure of the bill.
2. Provide examples of actual medical expenses and allow for additional reasonable and
necessary expenses as ordered by the court.