LA SB41

Prohibits hiring school employees whose names appear on the Department of Children and Family Services' state central registry for substantiated child abuse or neglect findings recorded on or after August 1, 2018, and requires dismissal of current employees whose names are recorded on or after August 1, 2025.

Establishes mandatory child-to-staff ratios for early learning centers and prekindergarten programs: 5:1 for infants, 7:1 for one-year-olds, 10:1 for two-year-olds, 13:1 for three-year-olds, 15:1 for four-year-olds, and 19:1 for five-year-olds.

Requires all nonpublic prekindergarten programs to be licensed as early learning centers by January 1, 2026, and all programs must comply with child safety and welfare minimum standards by October 1, 2025.

Expands mandatory reporter requirements and procedures for reporting child abuse, including immediate notification to parents and law enforcement for all alleged child abuse in school settings, with law enforcement required to begin investigations within 48 hours.

Creates civil liability for parents or guardians to recover damages from sexual abuse in school settings, including medical expenses, behavioral health expenses, and tuition reimbursement if the child is removed from the school.