This bill amends existing laws related to the hiring requirements for employees of the Department of Children and Family Services in Louisiana. It introduces a new provision that mandates the secretary of the department to conduct a criminal background check and a search of the state central registry for substantiated abuse or neglect reports for all current and prospective employees. This requirement is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of children under the department's care.

Additionally, the bill revises the conditions under which individuals can be hired by the department, specifically removing previous language that outlined certain duties related to child abuse investigations and direct care of children. It also stipulates that any employee whose name appears on the state central registry after January 1, 2010, must be terminated, although permanent classified employees are afforded the right to exhaust their administrative appeal rights before termination. These changes are intended to strengthen the vetting process for employees working with vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
HB420 Original: 36:474(B)(1), 46:2(A)(1)
HB420 Engrossed: 36:474(B)(1), 46:2(A)(1)
HB420 Enrolled: 36:474(B)(1), 46:2(A)(1)
HB420 Act 803: 36:474(B)(1), 46:2(A)(1)