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HB 1052

CHILDRENS CODE: Provides relative to confidentiality policies and procedures pertaining to work product created, received, or maintained by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Regina Barrow and 2 co-sponsors

Strengthens confidentiality of work product created by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams, allowing sharing only in de-identified form or under protective orders.

Effective date: 06/08/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 1052

Summary of HB 1052 (Louisiana, 2026 Session)

Purpose and Intent

HB 1052 seeks to strengthen and clarify confidentiality protections surrounding work product created, received, or maintained by child advocacy centers (CACs) and multidisciplinary investigative teams (MDITs) involved in child abuse and neglect investigations. The bill aims to ensure confidential handling of sensitive information, while outlining when and how such work product may be shared, and defining the scope and applicability of these protections.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Confidentiality policy requirements

    • MDITs must adopt and follow a written confidentiality policy governing information obtained during child abuse and neglect investigations.
    • CACs must adopt and enforce a written confidentiality policy consistent with state and federal law.
    • Policies must ensure information is shared only among authorized participants for investigation, assessment, prosecution, and treatment.

  • Definition of “work product” (New Article 525(C))

    • “Work product” includes records, materials, or information created, received, or maintained by a CAC or MDIT in connection with a child abuse/neglect case (e.g., forensic interviews, evidence, medical exams, advocacy notes, mental health records, case review notes, communications, and recommendations).

  • Confidentiality and protection of work product (Articles 525 and 525.1)

    • Work product is confidential and not subject to public records requests, subpoenas, discovery, or disclosure except as provided by the article.
    • Work product may be shared in de-identified or aggregate form:
    • Among MDIT members for investigation, assessment, prosecution, and treatment.
    • With a court of competent jurisdiction under a protective order.
    • As otherwise provided by law.
    • Work product is privileged and protected from disclosure in child custody, civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings, unless specifically authorized by the new article.
    • Protections apply only to agencies and individuals acting under formal multidisciplinary agreements.
    • The act does not limit disclosure of independently obtained evidence, law enforcement authority, or the defendant’s constitutional rights.

  • Cross-references to existing confidentiality and public records exemptions

    • Amendments cross-reference and align with R.S. 15:440.8 (confidentiality of CAC records) and R.S. 44:4.1 (public records exemptions), incorporating the new protections into public records exceptions when applicable.

  • Confidentiality under interagency information sharing (Article 545(C))

    • Information shared under interagency information sharing agreements remains confidential, with confidentiality provisions including the protections provided in the new Article 525.1.

Who Would be Affected

  • Multidisciplinary Investigative Teams (MDITs): Required to implement written confidentiality policies and follow the enhanced protections for work product.
  • Child Advocacy Centers (CACs): Required to adopt and enforce written confidentiality policies; all CAC work product would be subject to the new protections.
  • Parties Involved in Proceedings: Courts, prosecutors, defense, and other stakeholders may handle de-identified/aggregate work product under specified conditions; actual work product remains protected unless the statute authorizes disclosure.
  • Law Enforcement and Independent Evidence: The bill does not restrict the disclosure of independently obtained evidence or the constitutional rights of defendants.

Effective Date

  • The act becomes effective upon signature by the governor or, if not signed, upon expiration of the time for gubernatorial action. If vetoed, it becomes effective upon legislative approval.

Practical Impact

  • Strengthens privacy protections for sensitive materials generated during child abuse investigations.
  • Provides a clearer framework for sharing information only among authorized participants and under protective orders or de-identified formats.
  • Helps balance the need for interagency collaboration with stringent safeguards against broad public disclosure of sensitive work product.
  • Aligns state law with confidentiality practices across CACs and MDITs, while preserving statutory rights and law enforcement authorities.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law (R.S. 15:440.8, R.S. 44:4.1, and Children’s Code Articles) or a timeline highlighting when specific provisions would take effect within the act’s implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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