SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—A member of the Louisiana State Senate is proposing a bill that would significantly modify state laws related to child abuse and neglect. Senate Bill 41, authored by Senator Regina Barrow, provides precise changes in reporting and investigating cases of child abuse a nd neglect, and puts protections in place to prevent those who are placed on the Department of Children and Family Services' state central registry from gaining employment in schools and facilities that provide supervisory or disciplinary authority over children. The 36-page bill includes language that would give the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) authority to deny an "educator credential or teaching authorization" to a person who has been convicted of or entered a plea of no contest to any crimes included in R.S. 15:587.1 or any felony contained in the the DCFS state central registry. As written, the hiring compliance would apply to city, parish, or other local public school board, nonpublic school, or school system employees performing the duties of a bus operator, substitute bus operator, janitor, or temporary, part-time, or permanent school employee of any kind. There is also a self-reporting requirement for administrators, teachers, or other school employees to report convictions and guilty or no contest pleas (traffic offenses excluded) for criminal offenses within two business days of resolution to their district employers and the Louisiana Department of Education. Failures to report such legal interactions will be subject to fines. Latest News Family honors loved one's organ donation at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge Baton Rouge community unites to honor Devin Page Jr. and call for change Make-A-Wish grants Masters trip to teen cancer survivor Masters patrons rediscover the joy of old-school communication Measles cases rise to 700, adding pressure to RFK Jr. ...read more read less