The bill amends various sections of Louisiana law to improve child welfare and safety standards in educational settings, particularly focusing on early learning centers and prekindergarten programs. It establishes a state central registry for school employees, documenting individuals convicted of specific offenses or found guilty of child abuse or neglect, thereby prohibiting them from working in educational roles. The legislation mandates compliance with minimum safety standards, including child-to-staff ratios, and introduces new definitions and licensure requirements for early learning centers. Additionally, it enhances background check requirements by replacing "justified" with "substantiated" in relation to findings of child abuse or neglect, and it requires the Department of Education to provide parents with information on child safety standards and complaint procedures.

Moreover, the bill strengthens reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect, ensuring that all incidents in school settings are reported to parents and law enforcement, with investigations initiated within 48 hours. It clarifies the roles of mandatory reporters and caregivers, updates definitions related to child care and abuse, and introduces provisions for civil liability in cases of child sexual abuse in schools. The legislation, titled "Charlie's Law," aims to enhance protections for children, improve the response to abuse allegations, and ensure that educational environments are safe and conducive to child development.

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)