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Bill

HB 476

SCHOOLS: Requires each public secondary school to display flyers about the Safe Haven Law in restrooms (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 27 co-sponsors

Louisiana requires public secondary schools to post Safe Haven Law informational flyers in restrooms to educate students about surrendering newborns without legal consequences.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 476

Legislative bill overview

HB 476 requires all public secondary schools in Louisiana to post informational flyers about the Safe Haven Law in school restrooms. The Safe Haven Law allows parents to surrender newborns to designated safe locations (hospitals, fire stations, etc.) without legal consequences. This bill mandates schools distribute educational materials about this option to students.

Why is this important

The Safe Haven Law exists to prevent infant abandonment and death by providing a legal alternative for parents in crisis. Placing flyers in restrooms—private spaces where adolescents congregate—targets a vulnerable population (pregnant teens) who may not know this option exists. Increased awareness could potentially reduce unsafe infant abandonment cases and save lives.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and messaging: Critics may argue the flyers could inadvertently encourage surrender of newborns rather than connecting parents with parenting support, counseling, or adoption services that address underlying needs
  • Implementation costs and logistics: Schools must design, print, and maintain flyers; questions arise about who covers costs and how frequently materials are updated
  • Privacy and sensitivity concerns: Posting in restrooms may trigger concerns about student privacy, parental notification requirements, and whether schools should distribute materials related to reproductive decisions without parental knowledge
  • Effectiveness questions: Unclear whether restroom flyers effectively reach target populations or whether alternative distribution methods (counseling offices, health classes) would be more appropriate

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

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