CHILDREN: Provides for testimony of medical experts in child custody and in need of care cases. (8/1/26)
Summary
SB 66 creates new law requiring courts, in certain child custody and child in need of care proceedings involving allegations of child abuse or neglect, to hear testimony from a subpoenaed medical expert before the parties and other witnesses. The bill directs the court to give that testimony priority for all purposes covered by the subpoena, unless extenuating circumstances make that sequence impractical.
The measure is limited to proceedings under Title V of the Civil Code and Title VI of the Children’s Code, and it is codified as new R.S. 9:360 through 360.1. In practical terms, it changes trial procedure in child welfare cases by elevating the role of medical expert testimony when abuse or neglect is alleged, presumably to ensure the court receives medical evidence early in the hearing process.
Impact
SB 66 amends Louisiana law by adding a new subpart to Title 9 governing medical expert testimony in child custody and child in need of care cases. It affects judges, litigants, attorneys, and subpoenaed medical experts in those proceedings by requiring courts to prioritize expert testimony over the testimony of parties and other witnesses, absent extenuating circumstances. The bill does not create new substantive custody standards, but it does alter courtroom procedure in child protection matters.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 37-0 and the House 89-0, and it was signed by the Governor as Act 9. The unanimous votes suggest general agreement that prioritizing medical expert testimony in abuse- and neglect-related cases would improve the handling of these sensitive proceedings.
Contention
No committee debate or recorded opposition is provided, and the floor votes were unanimous in both chambers, indicating little visible contention. Any potential concern would likely center on courtroom scheduling, witness order, or judicial discretion, since the bill requires priority for medical expert testimony but allows exceptions for extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, the measure seems to have been viewed as a procedural safeguard in child welfare litigation.
Provides for recoverable medical expenses, limitation upon jury trials and admissibility of evidence in civil actions. (8/1/25) (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Transfers certain family and support programs from the Department of Children and Family Services to the Louisiana Workforce Commission and renames Louisiana Workforce Commission to Louisiana Works (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)