House Bill No. 420, introduced by Representative Berault, amends existing laws regarding the hiring practices of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Louisiana. The bill grants the secretary of DCFS the authority to conduct criminal background checks and searches of the state central registry for all current and prospective employees. This requirement is aimed at ensuring that individuals with a history of substantiated abuse or neglect are not employed in positions that could put children at risk. The bill specifically adds a new provision that mandates these checks for all employees, not just those with direct responsibilities related to child abuse investigations or care.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to clarify that no person shall be hired by DCFS until they have undergone the necessary background checks and registry inspections. It also stipulates that any employee whose name appears on the central registry must be terminated, with the exception of permanent classified employees who must first exhaust their administrative appeal rights. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the safety and welfare of children by tightening the hiring standards within the DCFS.

Statutes affected:
HB420 Original: 36:474(B)(1), 46:2(A)(1)
HB420 Engrossed: 36:474(B)(1), 46:2(A)(1)