House Bill No. by Representative Mike Johnson seeks to revise the Louisiana Children's Code by updating terminology and clarifying the roles and rights of parties involved in child welfare cases. Key amendments include replacing the term "foster parent" with "foster caregiver" to better reflect caregiving roles, and introducing new definitions for terms such as "intervention." The bill mandates that the department notify caregivers, pre-adoptive parents, and relatives of their rights to participate in case review and permanency hearings. It also requires courts to document attendance and notice regarding hearings, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed and can present their perspectives.

Additionally, the bill enhances the rights of children and parents during legal proceedings, stipulating that children aged twelve and older must be present in court unless waived, with documentation required for any absences. It consolidates certain provisions into a new article that allows for intervention by relatives or suitable individuals in custody cases, emphasizing the importance of procedural fairness and the child's best interests. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize and streamline the legal framework surrounding child welfare in Louisiana, ensuring that caregivers and children are adequately represented and informed throughout the legal process.