Senate Bill No. by Senator Barrow aims to enhance child welfare regulations in Louisiana by amending various statutes related to the employment and licensure of individuals working with children. The bill establishes a state central registry for school employees to track those convicted of certain offenses or placed on the registry due to child abuse or neglect, prohibiting such individuals from owning or operating early learning centers. It mandates that school employees report any convictions or placements within two business days and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Children and Family Services in responding to reports of child abuse and neglect. The bill also introduces new definitions and standards for child welfare in prekindergarten programs, requires mandatory reporting training for educators, and modifies the list of disqualifying offenses for educators.

Additionally, the bill amends various provisions of the Children's Code, replacing the term "justified" with "substantiated" in multiple instances to strengthen the criteria for determining abuse or neglect findings. It expands the definition of "caretaker" and mandates annual training on child abuse reporting for teaching and childcare providers. The bill enhances the requirements for reporting suspected child sexual abuse in schools, ensuring immediate notification to parents and law enforcement, and establishes penalties for violations related to supervision and safety regulations. It also allows parents of child victims to seek damages for medical expenses and tuition reimbursement if necessary. Overall, the legislation aims to create a safer environment for children in educational settings through stricter regulations and oversight.

Statutes affected:
SB41 Original: 14:3(A), 15:1(C), 15:1(C)(1), 15:3(H), 17:7(A), 17:7(B), 17:7(B)(1), 17:9(A)(5), 17:15(A)(1), 17:16(A), 17:8(A), 17:33(5), 17:35(A), 17:42(A)(2), 17:46(A)(1), 17:71(A), 17:443(B)(1), 17:493(C)(1), 17:3996(B)(28), 40:10(A)(3), 40:2019(F)(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:56(F)(1), 46:1(A)