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HB 478

HEALTH/SCHOOL CLINICS: Requires certain information about pregnancy, adoption, and neonatal care to be posted and distributed at school health centers in public high schools and student health centers on public postsecondary education institution campuses (EG +$270,936 GF EX See Note)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dodie Horton

Louisiana requires high school and college health centers to post and distribute information on pregnancy, adoption, and neonatal care, with $270,936 in funding allocated.

Read by title, amended, ordered engrossed, recommitted to the Committee on Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 478

Legislative bill overview

HB 478 mandates that school health centers in Louisiana public high schools and student health centers on public postsecondary campuses must post and distribute information about pregnancy options, adoption services, and neonatal care. The bill allocates approximately $270,936 in general fund expenditures to implement these requirements.

Why is this important

School health centers serve as primary healthcare access points for many students, particularly those with limited resources. This bill shapes what health information and resources students receive during formative years, directly influencing awareness of pregnancy-related options and support services available to them.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of information: The bill doesn't specify what "information about pregnancy, adoption, and neonatal care" must include, leaving interpretation to schools and potentially resulting in inconsistent messaging across institutions
  • Reproductive autonomy concerns: Advocates may question whether emphasizing adoption and neonatal care alongside pregnancy information adequately presents all pregnancy options, or conversely, whether it appropriately acknowledges parental rights and life choice alternatives
  • Implementation burden and cost: The $270,936 appropriation may be insufficient for consistent statewide implementation, and schools may face unclear operational requirements about distribution methods, poster placement, and content standards

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

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