Senate Bill No. by Senator Hodges aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding child custody and child in need of care cases by prioritizing the testimony of medical experts. The bill introduces a new subpart in the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 9:360 through 360.2, which mandates that when a medical expert is subpoenaed to testify regarding allegations of child abuse or neglect, their testimony must be taken before that of other parties and witnesses. This provision ensures that the insights of medical professionals are given precedence in legal proceedings that involve the welfare of children.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for requesting a continuance in these cases. It stipulates that if a party requests a continuance, the court must conduct an expedited hearing to take the medical expert's testimony first, and only after that can the court grant a continuance for good cause shown. The provisions of this bill will apply to both child custody proceedings under Title V of the Civil Code and child in need of care proceedings under Title VI of the Children's Code, with an effective date of August 1, 2026.