The original instrument was prepared by Amanda Trapp. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Matt Deville.
DIGEST
SB 145 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Barrow
Present law creates a state child ombudsman appointed by the legislative auditor and provides for
the powers and duties of the ombudsman.
Proposed law defines terms used included in the ombudsman's duties and grants the ombudsman
authority to access certain documents and records to perform those duties.
Proposed law prohibits the ombudsman from being compelled to be a witness or be deposed in any
case where the ombudsman is not personally a defendant.
Present law provides for confidentiality of certain documents maintained by the Department of
Education, Louisiana's Foundational Integrated Research System for Transformation (LA FIRST),
public elementary and secondary schools and local public school systems, the Department of
Children and Family Services, juvenile courts, and the office of juvenile justice.
Proposed law requires that those documents be provided to the ombudsman upon request.
Present law exempts certain documents in the custody or control of the legislative auditor and the
internal auditor of a municipality from public records disclosure.
Proposed law adds an exemption for documents in the custody or control of the ombudsman.
Present law provides for Department of Children and Family Services procedures relative to reported
alleged abuse or neglect.
Proposed law adds procedures for cases of inconclusive determination.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Amends R.S. 24:525(C)(2), (5)-(8), and (11), R.S. 44:4(6), and Ch.C. Arts. 412(N), 616.1.1(B), and
616.1.1(C)(intro para); adds R.S. 17:407.29(J), 3138.12(I), 3914(O), R.S. 24:525(F) and (G), R.S.
46:56(N), and Ch.C. Art. 616.1.1(D))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill 1. Exempt the name and identifying information of the reporter of child abuse and
certain financial information from the records available to the child ombudsman.
2. Provide that an inconclusive report regarding a determination of abuse or neglect will
be evaluated internally.