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 829 Original 2024 Regular Session Lyons Abstract: Designates the La. Dept. of Health (LDH) as the lead agency for the Louisiana State Interagency Coordinating Council for EarlySteps: Louisiana's Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families. Proposed law creates the Louisiana State Interagency Coordinating Council for EarlySteps: Louisiana's Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families (the EarlySteps program) within LDH. Present law tasks budget approval and staffing to the governor or his designee. Proposed law redesignates all duties to the secretary of LDH. Proposed law requires the executive director described in present law to be hired as an unclassified employee of the office of LDH, office for citizens with developmental disabilities. Present law provides that the cost of maintaining the functions of the executive director and council shall be specified by an interagency agreement between LDH and the office of the governor. Proposed law removes present law provision. Proposed law requires the executive director to provide administrative support to the state interagency council and act as a resource to the state interagency coordinating council regarding the EarlySteps Program. Proposed law repeals the present law provision that transfers the Louisiana State Interagency Coordinating Council for EarlySteps: Louisiana's Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families and its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities to the office of the governor. Proposed law retains present law and transfers the EarlySteps program to LDH. Proposed law provides that the EarlySteps program shall exercise and perform its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of present law. Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. (Amends R.S. 28:470(A) and (D); Adds R.S. 36:259(D)(9); Repeals R.S. 36:4(B)(30))