The bill, known as "Charlie's Law," amends various sections of Louisiana law to enhance child welfare and safety standards in early learning centers and prekindergarten programs. It establishes minimum safety standards, including specific child-to-staff ratios and requirements for staff presence, while prohibiting individuals with certain criminal convictions or those listed on the Department of Children and Family Services' state central registry from owning or operating these centers or being employed in educational roles. The legislation also mandates mandatory reporting training for school employees regarding child abuse and neglect, outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Children and Family Services in responding to such reports, and introduces penalties for violations related to supervision and safety standards.

Significant changes include the deletion of certain offenses from the list of disqualifying crimes for educational employment and the introduction of new definitions and provisions for the licensure of early learning centers. The bill emphasizes the need for constant supervision of children, establishes background check requirements, and mandates the development of informational documents for parents regarding child safety standards. Additionally, it allows judges to verify departmental records concerning abuse or neglect during child custody proceedings and requires mandatory reporters to complete annual training on reporting procedures. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen protections for children in educational environments and ensure that those working with them adhere to stringent safety and ethical standards.

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)
SB41 Engrossed: 14:3(A), 15:1(C), 15:1(C)(1), 15:3(H), 17:7(B), 17:7(B)(1), 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)
SB41 Reengrossed: 14:3(A), 15:1(C), 15:1(C)(1), 15:3(H), 17:7(B), 17:7(B)(1), 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)
SB41 Re-Reengrossed: 14:3(A), 15:1(C), 15:1(C)(1), 15:3(H), 17:7(B), 17:7(B)(1), 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), 24:525(D), 40:10(A)(3), 40:2019(F)(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:56(F)(1), 46:1(A)
SB41 Enrolled: 14:3(A), 15:1(C), 15:1(C)(1), 15:3(H), 17:7(B), 17:7(B)(1), 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), 24:525(D), 40:10(A)(3), 40:2019(F)(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:56(F)(1), 46:1(A)
SB41 Act 409: 14:3(A), 15:1(C), 15:1(C)(1), 15:3(H), 17:7(B), 17:7(B)(1), 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), 24:525(D), 40:10(A)(3), 40:2019(F)(3), 46:2(A)(1), 46:56(F)(1), 46:1(A)