The bill amends Louisiana law to strengthen child welfare and safety standards in early learning centers and prekindergarten programs. It establishes minimum safety requirements, including specific child-to-staff ratios and mandates for staff presence during all activities. The legislation prohibits individuals with certain criminal convictions or those listed on the Department of Children and Family Services' state central registry from owning or operating early learning centers or being employed in educational roles. Additionally, it introduces mandatory reporting training for school employees regarding child abuse and neglect, and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Children and Family Services in responding to such reports. 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.

Furthermore, the bill enhances background check requirements and clarifies terminology related to findings of child abuse or neglect. It mandates that the Department of Education develop informational documents on child safety standards for parents and guardians, and establishes penalties for violations related to supervision and staffing ratios. The legislation also introduces the Alfred C. Williams Child Protection Act, which requires annual reports to the legislature on child abuse and neglect cases. Key amendments include the replacement of "valid victim" with "substantiated victim" and the establishment of new procedures for assessing reports of child abuse. Overall, referred to as "Charlie's Law," the bill aims to improve the protection of children and the accountability of caregivers and child care providers.

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)