This bill amends and reenacts specific sections of Louisiana law to transfer the powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities of the EarlySteps Program, which serves infants and toddlers with disabilities, to the Louisiana Department of Health. The Louisiana State Interagency Coordinating Council for EarlySteps is established within the Department of Health, with council members appointed by the governor. The bill specifies that at least 20% of council members must be parents of children with disabilities or providers of early intervention services. Additionally, the council is authorized to prepare and approve a budget for its operations, including hiring an executive director who will report directly to the council and the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

Furthermore, the bill enacts a new provision that places the Louisiana State Interagency Coordinating Council for EarlySteps under the Louisiana Department of Health, ensuring it operates in accordance with existing laws. It also repeals a previous section of law that is no longer necessary due to these changes. The effective date of the bill is contingent upon the governor's signature or the expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
HB829 Original: 28:470(A), 36:4(B)(30)
HB829 Engrossed: 28:470(A), 36:4(B)(30)
HB829 Enrolled: 28:470(A), 36:4(B)(30)
HB829 Act : 28:470(A), 36:4(B)(30)