LA HB297

Expands the definition of "domestic abuse" for lease termination purposes to include stalking and cyberstalking (as defined in R.S. 14:40.2 and 14:40.3), in addition to domestic abuse battery committed on leased premises

Adds licensed professional counselors, prosecuting attorneys, and investigating law enforcement officers to the list of "qualified third parties" who can certify abuse claims, provided they have personal involvement in the related criminal case

Removes the requirement that community-based shelter employees must possess a master's degree in Social Work (MSW) to serve as qualified third parties; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential remains sufficient

Allows victims of stalking or cyberstalking that occurred off the leased premises to request early lease termination by providing a written declaration explaining why continuing to reside there poses a safety threat

Updates the Certification of Domestic Abuse form to include stalking and cyberstalking and adds a section for explaining safety threats when incidents occurred off-premises