Louisiana 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 1 R · 1 D cosponsors

SB 451 — HEALTH CARE: Provides relative to newborn hearing screening. (8/1/26) (EN SEE FISC NOTE See Note)

Last action — Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 517.

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 30, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Jeff Landry (Republican) on May 29, 2026.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 90% · high confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    1 primary, 1 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (1 R · 1 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

In plain language

The bill mandates newborn hearing screening in healthcare settings.

This legislation requires newborns to undergo hearing screenings shortly after birth. It aims to ensure early detection of hearing issues for better health outcomes.

What this means for you
  • Healthcare: This means healthcare providers must implement hearing screening processes for newborns.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

420 added · 472 removed

Plain-language change summary

In the latest version of SB 451, a reference to "ACT No. 517" has been removed. This change simplifies the text of the bill and may indicate that the specific act is no longer relevant or necessary for the context of the new legislation. Removing such references can help clarify the bill's intent and make it easier for the public and lawmakers to understand.

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SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED Regular Session SENATE BILL NO.
Regular Session ENROLLED SENATE BILL NO.
451 BY SENATOR KLEINPETER HEALTH CARE.
451 BY SENATOR KLEINPETER AND REPRESENTATIVE CHASSION AN ACT To amend and reenact the heading of Chapter 30-A of Title 46 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and R.S.
Provides relative to newborn hearing screening.
(8/1/26) AN ACT To amend and reenact the heading of Chapter 30-A of Title 46 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and R.S.
46:2261, 2262, the introductoryparagraph of 2262.1, 2262.1(4) and (12), and 2263 through 2267 are herebyamended and reenacted to read as follows:
46:2261, 2262, the introductory paragraph of 2262.1, 2262.1(4) and (12), and 2263 through 2267 are herebyamended and reenacted to read as follows:
Page 1 of 16 Coding:
§2262.
Purpose A.
The purpose of the program for early identification of hearing loss is to identify deaf or hard of hearing infants at the earliest possible time so that medical treatment, early audiological evaluation, selection of amplification, and early educationalinterventioncanbeprovided.hearingdetectionandinterventionis to support the early identification of infants who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or present a risk factor for developing hearing loss through screening and audiologicalevaluationandtoensurethatparentsandguardiansofsuchinfants Page 1 of 14 Coding:
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
SB NO.
451 §2262.
451 ENROLLED are provided an opportunity for referral to early intervention and family support services.
Purpose A.
The purpose of the program for early identification of hearing loss is to identify deaf or hard of hearing infants at the earliest possible time so that medical treatment, early audiological evaluation, selection of amplification, and early educationalinterventioncanbeprovided.hearingdetectionandinterventionis to support the early identification of infants who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or present a risk factor for developing hearing loss through screening and audiologicalevaluationandtoensurethatparentsandguardiansofsuchinfants are provided an opportunity for referral to early intervention and family support services.
Early hearing detection, educational intervention, and coordinated systems of careearlyaudiologicalservicesarerequiredunder Section 399M of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C.
Early hearing detection, educational intervention, and coordinated systems of careearlyaudiological servicesarerequiredunderSection399Mof the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C.
280g-1, as amended by the Early Hearing Detectionand Intervention (EHDI)Actof 2010,EHDI Actof 2017, Public Law 115-71, EHDI Act of 2022, Public Law 117-241, and the Education of the Handicapped Act, Amendments of 1986, Public Law 99-457.
280g-1, as amended by the Early Hearing Detectionand Intervention(EHDI)Actof 2010, EHDI Act of 2017,Public Law 115-71, EHDI Act of 2022, Public Law 117-241, and the Education of the Handicapped Act, Amendments of 1986, Public Law 99-457.
Appropriate Newborn hearing screening and early identification of newborns and infants with hearing loss who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing and subsequent opportunities for referral to early intervention and family support services will therefore serve the public purpose of promoting the healthy development of children and reducing public expenditures for health care, special Page 2 of 16 Coding:
Appropriate Newborn hearing screening and early identification of newborns and infants with hearing loss who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing and subsequent opportunities for referral to early intervention and family support services will therefore serve the public purpose of promoting the healthy development of children and reducing public expenditures for health care, special education, and related services.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 education, and related services.
* * * (12) Where appropriate, to have deaf d/Deaf and hard of hearing adults directlyinvolvedindeterminingtheextent,content,andpurposeofallprogramsthat affect their education.
Page 2 of 14 Coding:
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SB NO.
451 ENROLLED * * * (12) Where appropriate, to have deaf d/Deaf and hard of hearing adults directlyinvolvedindeterminingtheextent,content,andpurposeofallprogramsthat affect their education.
(a) Provided comprehensive, consumer-oriented information about the Page 3 of 16 Coding:
(a) Provided comprehensive, consumer-oriented information about the full range of family support, training, information services, and language acquisition in oral and visual modalities.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 full range of family support, training, information services, and language acquisition in oral and visual modalities.
Procedures may include auditory brainstem response (ABR) screening, otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening, and other devices approved by the office upon recommendation of the advisory council.
Procedures may include auditory brainstem response (ABR) Page 3 of 14 Coding:
(3)(8)"DeafInfantwhoisd/Deaforhardofhearinginfant"meansaninfant whohasadisorderoftheauditorysystem ofanytypeordegree,causinghearingloss sufficient to interferewith thedevelopment of language and speechskills.
is d/Deaf orhardofhearingfromacongenitaloracquirednature,unilateralorbilateral, of any degree from minimal to profound, and of any type, including a conductive, sensory, sensorineural, auditory neuropathy dyssynchrony, or mixed hearing condition.
(4)(9) "Infants susceptible to a hearing disability with risk factors" means those infants who aresusceptible to hearingloss becausetheyhave one or more risk factors for developing delayed onset or progressive permanent childhood hearing loss.
(10)"Joint CommitteeonInfantHearing"or"JCIH" means anational group of representatives that work to address issues that are important to the early identification, intervention, and follow-up careof infants who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing.
(11) "Language" means a system of conventional spoken, signed, or written means by which human beings, as members of a social group and Page 4 of 16 Coding:
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
SB NO.
451 participantsinitsculture,expressthemselves.Thefunctionsoflanguageinthis context include communication, identity, connection, cognition, and advocacy.
451 ENROLLED screening, otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening, and other devices approved by the office upon recommendation of the advisory council.
(3)(8)"DeafInfantwhoisd/Deaforhardofhearinginfant"meansaninfant whohasadisorderoftheauditorysystem ofanytypeordegree,causinghearingloss sufficient to interferewith thedevelopmentoflanguageand speechskills.
is d/Deaf orhardofhearingfromacongenitaloracquirednature,unilateralorbilateral, of any degree from minimal to profound, and of any type, including a conductive, sensory, sensorineural, auditory neuropathy dyssynchrony, or mixed hearing condition.
(4)(9) "Infants susceptible to a hearing disability with risk factors" means those infants who aresusceptible to hearingloss becausetheyhave one or more risk factors for developing delayed onset or progressive permanent childhood hearing loss.
Show all 187 changed rows (147 more)
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(10)"JointCommitteeon Infant Hearing"or"JCIH" meansanational group of representatives that work to address issues that are important to the early identification, intervention, and follow-up care of infants who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing.
(11) "Language" means a system of conventional spoken, signed, or written means by which human beings, as members of a social group and participantsinitsculture,expressthemselves.Thefunctionsoflanguageinthis context include communication, identity, connection, cognition, and advocacy.
(6)(14) "Program" means the program that the office of public health establishestoprovidefortheearlyidentificationandfollow-upofinfantssusceptible to a hearing disability, of deaf or hard of hearing infants, and of infants who have a risk factor for developing progressive hearing loss.
(6)(14) "Program" means the program that the office of public health establishestoprovidefortheearlyidentificationandfollow-upofinfantssusceptible to a hearing disability, of deaf or hard of hearing infants, and of infants who have a Page 4 of 14 Coding:
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SB NO.
451 ENROLLED risk factor for developing progressive hearing loss.
(7)(16)(a) "Risk factors" means those criteria or factors, any one of which identifiesaninfantasbeingsusceptible to as classified by JCIH which mayresult in early, progressive, or delayed onset permanent childhood hearing loss.
(7)(16)(a) "Risk factors" means those criteria or factors, any one of which identifiesaninfantasbeingsusceptible to as classified by JCIH which may result in early, progressive, or delayed onset permanent childhood hearing loss.
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(iii)Craniofacialanomaliesincludingmorphologicabnormalitiesofthepinna and ear canal, absent philtrum, low hairline, et cetera Hyperbilirubinemia with exchange transfusion regardless of length of stay.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 (iii)Craniofacialanomaliesincludingmorphologicabnormalitiesofthepinna and ear canal, absent philtrum, low hairline, et cetera Hyperbilirubinemia with exchange transfusion regardless of length of stay.
(vii) Bacterial meningitis In utero infections, such as herpes, rubella, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, Zika, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
(vii) Bacterial meningitis In utero infections, such as herpes, rubella, Page 5 of 14 Coding:
(viii)Severedepressionatbirth,whichmayincludeinfantswithApgarscores of zero to three at five minutes or those who fail to initiate spontaneous respiration byten minutes or those with hypotonia persistingto two hours of age Certain birth conditions or findings such as craniofacial malformations including microtia, atresia, ear dysplasia, oral facial clefting, white forelock, microphthalmia, congenital microcephaly, congenital or acquired hydrocephalus, and temporal bone abnormalities.
(ix) Prolonged mechanical ventilation for a duration equal to or greater than ten days, such as persistent pulmonary hypertension.
(x)(ix) Stigmata or other findings associated with a syndrome known to include sensorineural hearing loss, such as Waardenburg or Usher Syndrome.
(xi)(x)Otherriskfactorsaddedordeletedbytheofficeofpublichealthupon recommendation of the advisory council for early identification of deaf d/Deaf or hard of hearing children.
(c)The factorsthatidentifythoseinfantsagedtwenty-nine days to two years who are susceptible to sensorineural hearing loss Perinatal or postnatal risk Page 6 of 16 Coding:
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
SB NO.
451 factors, as classified by JCIH include the following:
451 ENROLLED syphilis, toxoplasmosis, Zika, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
(viii)Severedepressionatbirth,whichmayincludeinfantswithApgarscores of zero to three at five minutes or those who fail to initiate spontaneous respiration byten minutes or those with hypotonia persisting to two hours of ageCertain birth conditions or findings such as craniofacial malformations including microtia, atresia, ear dysplasia, oral facial clefting, white forelock, microphthalmia, congenital microcephaly, congenital or acquired hydrocephalus, and temporal bone abnormalities.
(ix) Prolonged mechanical ventilation for a duration equal to or greater than ten days, such as persistent pulmonary hypertension.
(x)(ix) Stigmata or other findings associated with a syndrome known to include sensorineural hearing loss, such as Waardenburg or Usher Syndrome.
(xi)(x)Otherrisk factorsaddedordeletedbytheofficeofpublichealthupon recommendation of the advisory council for early identification of deaf d/Deaf or hard of hearing children.
(c)The factorsthatidentifythoseinfantsaged twenty-nine days to two years who are susceptible to sensorineural hearing loss Perinatal or postnatal risk factors, as classified by JCIH include the following:
Culture-positive infections associated with sensorineural hearinglossincludingconfirmedbacterialandviralmeningitisorencephalitis, especially herpes viruses and varicella.
Culture-positive infections associated with sensorineural hearinglossincluding confirmedbacterialandviralmeningitisorencephalitis, especially herpes viruses and varicella.
(iv) Head trauma, especially with either longitudinal or transverse fracture of the temporal bone.
(iv) Head trauma, especially with either longitudinal or transverse fracture Page 6 of 14 Coding:
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SB NO.
451 ENROLLED of the temporal bone.
(8) "Screening for hearing loss" means employing a device for identifying Page 7 of 16 Coding:
(8) "Screening for hearing loss" means employing a device for identifying whether an infant has a disorder of the auditory system, but may not necessarily provide a comprehensive determination of hearing thresholds in the speech range.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
Procedures may include auditory brainstem response (ABR) screening, evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE) screening, and other devices approved bythe office upon recommendation of the advisorycouncil.
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 whether an infant has a disorder of the auditory system, but may not necessarily provide a comprehensive determination of hearing thresholds in the speech range.
Procedures may include auditory brainstem response (ABR) screening, evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE) screening, and other devices approved by the office upon recommendation of the advisorycouncil.
Spoken language uses audition to receptivelyunderstand communication and voice to expressively communicate.
Spoken language uses audition to receptively understand communication and voice to expressively communicate.
(19)"Youngadult" means an individual betweeneighteentotwenty-six years of age as defined by the National Institutes of Health.
(19)"Young adult" means anindividual betweeneighteentotwenty-six years of age as defined by the National Institutes of Health.
§2264.
Page 7 of 14 Coding:
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SB NO.
451 ENROLLED §2264.
(2) Create a susceptibility registry to include, but not be limited to, the Page 8 of 16 Coding:
(2) Create a susceptibility registry to include, but not be limited to, the identification of infants susceptible to hearing loss, deaf or hard of hearing infants, and infants susceptible to developing progressive hearing loss.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
Provide access to and training on theearlyhearing detection and interventiondata management system to birth hospital newborn hearing screening supervisors and birth hospitalstaff,freestandingbirthcenternewbornhearingscreeningsupervisors and birth center staff, outpatient audiological testing providers, and other necessary providers as deemed appropriate by the program.
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 identification of infants susceptible to hearing loss, deaf or hard of hearing infants, and infants susceptible to developing progressive hearing loss.
Provide access to and training on theearlyhearing detectionand interventiondata management system to birth hospital newborn hearing screening supervisors and birth hospitalstaff,freestandingbirthcenternewbornhearingscreeningsupervisors and birth center staff, outpatient audiological testing providers, and other necessary providers as deemed appropriate by the program.
Require all birth hospitals, freestanding birth centers, and outpatient audiological testing providers to report newborn hearing screening results, the reason for no screening, outpatient screening results, and results of diagnostic audiological evaluation, including hearing status, to the program.
Require all birth hospitals, freestanding birth centers, and outpatient audiological testing providers to report newborn Page 8 of 14 Coding:
(4) Require for all newborn infants that the hospital of birth or that hospital to which the newborn infant may be transferred provide hearing screening for hearing loss by auditory brainstem response (ABR) screening, evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE)(OAE) screening, or anyotherscreeningdeviceapprovedbythe office before discharge to identify children in need of further audiological assessment.
The results of that screening for hearing loss shall be provided to the susceptibility registry of the office program, the parent or guardian, and if known, the primary care physician and the provider of audiological services.
(5) Develop and provide to the birth hospitals, freestanding birth centers, outpatient facilities,and pediatricdiagnosticaudiology centersorotherbirthing sites appropriate written materials regarding hearing loss, and require that the Page 9 of 16 Coding:
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
SB NO.
451 hospitals or other birthing sites provide this written material to all parents or guardians of newborn infants for families of newborn infants, infants in need of follow up after newbornhearing screening,infants with risk factors,orinfants diagnosed as d/Deaf or hard of hearing.
451 ENROLLED hearing screening results, the reason for no screening, outpatient screening results, and results of diagnostic audiological evaluation, including hearing status, to the program.
(4) Require for all newborn infants that the hospital of birth or that hospital to which the newborn infant may be transferred provide hearing screening for hearing loss by auditory brainstem response (ABR) screening, evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE)(OAE)screening,oranyotherscreeningdevice approved bythe office before discharge to identify children in need of further audiological assessment.
The results of that screening for hearing loss shall be provided to the susceptibility registry of the office program, the parent or guardian, and if known, the primary care physician and the provider of audiological services.
(5) Develop and provide to the birth hospitals, freestanding birth centers, outpatientfacilities,andpediatricdiagnostic audiology centersorotherbirthing sites appropriate written materials regarding hearing loss, and require that the hospitals or other birthing sites provide this written material to all parents or guardians of newborn infants for families of newborn infants, infants in need of follow up afternewbornhearing screening,infants with risk factors,orinfants diagnosed as d/Deaf or hard of hearing.
Oversight monitoring criteria may be added or deleted by the office upon recommendation of the advisory council created in R.S.
Page 9 of 14 Coding:
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SB NO.
451 ENROLLED Oversight monitoring criteria may be added or deleted by the office upon recommendation of the advisory council created in R.S.
Maintain a website that promotes early hearing identification and a coordinated systemofsupport forchildren who ared/Deaf and hard of hearing.
Maintain a website that promotes early hearing identification anda coordinatedsystemof support forchildren who ared/Deaf and hard of hearing.
(9)Providethatwhentheresultofnewbornhearingscreeningisreferred orfurthertestingisneeded,birthfacilitiesshallprovidefamiliesandcaregivers Page 10 of 16 Coding:
(9)Providethatwhentheresultofnewbornhearingscreeningisreferred orfurthertestingisneeded,birthfacilitiesshallprovidefamiliesandcaregivers with follow-up hearing testing information inclusive of reason for follow-up, what to expect, and appointment details, such as the date, time, location, and contact information for follow-up, which is recommended to take place within one month.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
In the circumstance that an appointment for follow-up is unable to be established at the time of discharge from a birth hospital or freestanding birth center, at a minimum, parents or guardians shall be provided with information on locations for audiological follow-up.
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 with follow up hearing testing information inclusive of reason for follow-up, what to expect, and appointment details, such as the date, time, location, and contact information for follow up, which is recommended to take place within one month.
In the circumstance that an appointment for follow up is unable to be established at the time of discharge from a birth hospital or freestanding birth center, at a minimum, parents or guardians shall be provided with information on locations for audiological follow up.
(11) Communicate with and connectfamilies and caregiversof children who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing to support services for the purpose of building empowered families in Louisiana through access to individuals with lived experience, direct emotional support, resources and training, and family and community events aimed to build connection in accordance with the 42 U.S.C.280g-1andrelatedamendments.No-cost,trained,andunbiasedsupport shall be provided through:
(11) Communicate with and connectfamilies and caregiversof children who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing to support services for the purpose of building empowered families in Louisiana through access to individuals with lived experience, direct emotional support, resources and training, and family Page 10 of 14 Coding:
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SB NO.
451 ENROLLED and community events aimed to build connection in accordance with the 42 U.S.C.280g-1andrelatedamendments.No-cost,trained,andunbiasedsupport shall be provided through:
Theofficeshall develop a system for the collection of data, determine the cost-effectivenessoftheprogram,anddisseminatestatisticalreportstotheLouisiana Commission for the Deaf.
Theofficeshall develop a system for the collection of data, determinethe cost-effectivenessoftheprogram,anddisseminatestatisticalreportstotheLouisiana Commission for the Deaf.
The program shall maintain a database for the collection of early hearing detection and intervention data, and disseminate informationtopartnersandstakeholders.Informationshallbesharedannually, Page 11 of 16 Coding:
The program shall maintain a database for the collection of early hearing detection and intervention data, and disseminate informationtopartnersandstakeholders.Informationshallbesharedannually, at a minimum, with the advisory council for the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program and the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf board of commissioners.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 at a minimum, with the advisory council for the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program and the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf board of commissioners.
(4) A pediatrician.
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Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SB NO.
451 ENROLLED (4) A pediatrician.
(9)(11) A parent who chose the oral method for his deaf or hard of hearing child of a child who is d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing who uses spoken Page 12 of 16 Coding:
(9)(11) A parent who chose the oral method for his deaf or hard of hearing child of a child who is d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing who uses spoken language.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 language.
(19) A representative of the state Department of Education with experienceind/Deafeducation,specialeducation,orearlychildhooddesignated by the superintendent of education.
(19) A representative of the state Department of Education with Page 12 of 14 Coding:
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SB NO.
451 ENROLLED experienceind/Deafeducation,specialeducation,orearlychildhooddesignated by the superintendent of education.
Members of the council in accordance with Paragraphs (A)(1) through (10), (13), and (14) (16) shall be appointed by the governor, shall serve three year terms, and shall be subject to Senate confirmation.
Members of the council in accordance with Paragraphs (A)(1) through (10), (13), and (14) (16) shall be appointed bythe governor, shall serve three-year terms, and shall be subject to Senate confirmation.
C.MembersofthecouncilinaccordancewithParagraphs(A)(17)through Page 13 of 16 Coding:
C.MembersofthecouncilinaccordancewithParagraphs(A)(17)through (21) representing offices and departments of state government shall serve four-year terms concurrent with that of the governor and shall not be subject to Senate confirmation.Othermembersshallservethree-yearterms,exceptthatinmakingthe initialappointments,fourmembersshallbeappointedforaone-yearterm,fourshall beappointedfortwo-yearterms,andfourshallbeappointedforthree-yearterms.No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 (21) representing offices and departments of state government shall serve four-year terms concurrent with that of the governor and shall not be subject to Senate confirmation.Othermembersshallservethree-yearterms,exceptthatinmakingthe initialappointments,fourmembersshallbeappointedforaone-yearterm,fourshall beappointedfortwo-yearterms,andfourshallbeappointedforthree-yearterms.No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.
(1) Advise and recommend risk factors or criteriafor infants who are likely deaf d/Deaf or hard of hearing and infants who may develop a delayed onset or progressive hearing loss.
(1) Advise and recommend risk factors or criteria for infants who are likely deaf d/Deaf or hard of hearing and infants who may develop a delayed onset or progressive hearing loss.
(2)Advisetheofficeastonewbornhearingscreeningandfollowup,setting standards for the program, monitoring and reviewing the program, and providing quality assurance for the program.
Page 13 of 14 Coding:
(3) Advise the office as to integrating the program for earlyidentification of deaf detection of d/Deaf or hard of hearing infants with existing medical, audiological, and earlyinfant education programs.
(4) Advise the office as to materials, resources, and information to be distributed to the public concerning deaf or hard of hearing infants early hearing detection and intervention.
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SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
SB NO.
451 (5) Advise the office on the implementation of the program for early identification and follow-up of infants susceptible to a hearing disability, deaf or hardofhearinginfants,detectionandinterventionforinfantsidentifiedasd/Deaf or hard of hearing and infants who are at risk of developing delayed onset or progressive hearing loss.
451 ENROLLED (2)Advisetheofficeastonewbornhearingscreeningandfollow-up,setting standards for the program, monitoring and reviewing the program, and providing quality assurance for the program.
(3) Advise the office as to integrating the program for earlyidentification of deaf detection of d/Deaf or hard of hearing infants with existing medical, audiological, and early infant education programs.
(4) Advise the office as to materials, resources, and information to be distributed to the public concerning deaf or hard of hearing infants early hearing detection and intervention.
(5) Advise the office on the implementation of the program for early identification and follow-up of infants susceptible to a hearing disability, deaf or hardofhearinginfants,detectionandinterventionforinfantsidentifiedasd/Deaf or hard of hearing and infants who are at risk of developing delayed onset or progressive hearing loss.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the legislative instrument, were prepared bySenate Legislative Services.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA APPROVED:
The keyword, summary, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent.
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[R.S.
1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] DIGEST SB 451 Reengrossed 2026 Regular Session Kleinpeter Present law establishes the "Identification of Hearing Loss in Infants Law".
Proposed law changes the name of the law to the "Newborn Hearing Screening Law".
Present law provides for the purpose of providing early hearing detection and intervention.
Proposed law makes changes to the purpose of present law.
Present law establishes a bill of rights for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Proposed law updates terminology in the bill of rights.
Present law provides for definitions.
Proposed law updates and adds definitions to present law.
Present law provides for identification of hearing loss in infants.
Proposedlawupdatespresentlawtoprovideforearlydetectionandinterventionforchildren who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing.
Present law creates an advisory council made of 14 members with a chairman and vice chairman as officers.
Proposed law updates the membership of the council, adds seven members, and adds a secretary as an officer.
Present law provides that members of the council serve without compensation.
Proposedlawallowsmembersto bereimbursedfortravelandotherexpensesin accordance with travel regulations of the division of administration.
Proposed law further provides that Page 15 of 16 Coding:
Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
SLS 26RS-1374 REENGROSSED SB NO.
451 officers of the council can be reimbursed for necessaryand other expenses.
Present law provides for the powers, duties, and functions of the council.
Proposed law updates the powers, duties, and functions of the council.
Present law provides for initial rulemaking to implement the program by July 1, 2000.
Proposed law retains rulemaking authority to maintain the program.
Effective August 1, 2026.
(Amends the heading of Ch.
30-A of Title 46 of the La.
Revised Statutes of 1950 and R.S.
46:2261, 2262, 2262.1(intro para), 2262.1(4) and (12), and 2263-2267) Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill 1.
Makes technical changes.
Page 16 of 16 Coding:
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Action History

  1. Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 517.

  2. Effective date 8/1/2026.

  3. Signed by the Speaker of the House.

  4. Sent to the Governor by the Secretary of the Senate.

  5. Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.

  6. Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 94, nays 1. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

  7. Received from the House without amendments.

  8. Read by title, passed to 3rd reading.

  9. Scheduled for floor debate on 05/19/2026.

  10. Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

  11. Reported favorably (11-0). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

  12. Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.

  13. Received in the House from the Senate, read by title, lies over under the rules.

  14. Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title and passed by a vote of 34 yeas and 0 nays; ordered reengrossed and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

  15. Read by title. Ordered engrossed and passed to third reading and final passage.

  16. Reported favorably.

  17. Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.

  18. Rules suspended. Introduced in the Senate. Read by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 145 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (145)

145 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 145 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

FINAL PASSAGE (#1390)

Passed 94 Yea · 1 Nay · 10 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 27003
Republican 62006
Unaffiliated 5101
Total 941010
% of votes cast 90%1%0%10%
How each member voted (105)
Member Party Vote
Galle — Yea
Stagni — Yea
Amedee — Nay
Mr. Speaker — Not Voting
Johnson, T. — Yea
Landry, T. — Yea
St. Blanc — Yea
Adrian Fisher Democrat Yea
Aimee Adatto Freeman Democrat Yea
Alonzo L. Knox Democrat Yea
Barbara Carpenter Democrat Yea
C. Denise Marcelle Democrat Yea
Candace N. Newell Democrat Not Voting
Chasity Martinez Democrat Yea
Dana Henry Democrat Yea
Delisha Boyd Democrat Yea
Ed Murray Democrat Yea
Edmond Jordan Democrat Yea
Gerald Boudreaux Democrat Yea
III, Ed Larvadain Democrat Yea
Joy Walters Democrat Not Voting
Jr., Kyle M. Green Democrat Yea
Ken Brass Democrat Yea
Mandie Landry Democrat Yea
Marcus Anthony Bryant Democrat Not Voting
Pat Moore Democrat Yea
Rashid Armand Young Democrat Yea
Robby Carter Democrat Yea
Rodney Lyons Democrat Yea
Roy Daryl Adams Democrat Yea
Shaun Raphael Mena Democrat Yea
Sr., Wilford Carter Democrat Yea
Steven Jackson Democrat Yea
Sylvia Elaine Taylor Democrat Yea
Tammy T. Phelps Democrat Yea
Tehmi Jahi Chassion Democrat Yea
Vanessa Caston LaFleur Democrat Yea
Annie Spell Republican Yea
Barbara Reich Freiberg Republican Yea
Beth Anne Billings Republican Yea
Brett F. Geymann Republican Yea
Brian Leonard Glorioso Republican Yea
Bryan Fontenot Republican Yea
Chad Michael Boyer Republican Yea
Chance Keith Henry Republican Not Voting
Christopher Turner Republican Yea
Danny McCormick Republican Yea
Daryl Andrew Deshotel Republican Yea
Debbie Villio Republican Yea
Dixon Wallace McMakin Republican Not Voting
Dodie Horton Republican Yea
Emily Chenevert Republican Yea
Foy Bryan Gadberry Republican Yea
Francis C. Thompson Republican Not Voting
Gregory A. Miller Republican Yea
III, Roger William Wilder Republican Yea
III, Vincent E. Cox Republican Yea
IV, Gerald "Beau" Beaullieu Republican Yea
Jack McFarland Republican Yea
Jacob Braud Republican Yea
Jacob Jules Landry Republican Yea
Jason Brian DeWitt Republican Yea
Jeffrey "Jeff" Fons Wiley Republican Yea
Jeremy LaCombe Republican Yea
Jerome Zeringue Republican Yea
Jessica Domangue Republican Yea
John E. Wyble Republican Yea
Joseph A. Orgeron Republican Yea
Josh Carlson Republican Yea
Jr., Dennis Bamburg Republican Yea
Jr., John R. Illg Republican Yea
Jr., Michael Robert Bayham Republican Yea
Kathy Edmonston Republican Yea
Kellee Hennessy Dickerson Republican Yea
Kim Carver Republican Yea
Kimberly Landry Coates Republican Yea
Larry A. Bagley Republican Not Voting
Lauren Ventrella Republican Yea
Laurie Schlegel Republican Yea
Les Farnum Republican Not Voting
Mark Wright Republican Yea
Michael "Gabe" Firment Republican Yea
Michael Charles Echols Republican Yea
Michael Melerine Republican Yea
Mike Johnson Republican Yea
Neil Riser Republican Yea
Nicholas Muscarello Republican Yea
Paul Sawyer Republican Yea
Phillip Eric Tarver Republican Yea
Polly Thomas Republican Yea
R. Dewith Carrier Republican Yea
Raymond J. Crews Republican Yea
Reese "Skip" Broussard Republican Yea
Rhonda Gaye Butler Republican Yea
Robert "Bob" Owen Republican Yea
Rodney Schamerhorn Republican Yea
Ryan Bourriaque Republican Yea
Shane Mack Republican Yea
Sr., Peter F. Egan Republican Yea
Stephanie H. Berault Republican Yea
Stephanie Hilferty Republican Not Voting
Timothy P. Kerner Republican Yea
Tony Bacala Republican Yea
Troy Jude Hebert Republican Yea
Wayne McMahen Republican Yea

Official roll call →

FINAL PASSAGE (#404)

Passed 34 Yea · 0 Nay · 5 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 1000
Republican 26001
Democrat 7004
Total 34005
% of votes cast 87%0%0%13%
How each member voted (39)
Member Party Vote
Mr. President — Yea
Edward J. Price Democrat Yea
Gary Carter Democrat Yea
Gerald Boudreaux Democrat Not Voting
Jay Luneau Democrat Not Voting
Jimmy Harris Democrat Not Voting
Katrina R. Jackson-Andrews Democrat Yea
Larry Selders Democrat Yea
Regina Barrow Democrat Yea
Royce Duplessis Democrat Yea
Sam Jenkins Democrat Not Voting
Sidney Barthelemy II Democrat Yea
Adam Bass Republican Yea
Alan Seabaugh Republican Yea
Beth Mizell Republican Yea
Blake Miguez Republican Yea
Bob Hensgens Republican Yea
Brach Jerad Myers Republican Not Voting
Caleb Kleinpeter Republican Yea
Eddie J. Lambert Republican Yea
Franklin J. Foil Republican Yea
Glen Womack Republican Yea
Gregory A. Miller Republican Yea
Heather Cloud Republican Yea
Jeremy Stine Republican Yea
John C. "Jay" Morris Republican Yea
Jr., William "Bill" Wheat Republican Yea
Kirk Talbot Republican Yea
Mark Abraham Republican Yea
Michael "Big Mike" Fesi Republican Yea
Mike Reese Republican Yea
Patrick Connick Republican Yea
Patrick McMath Republican Yea
Rick Edmonds Republican Yea
Robert "Bob" Owen Republican Yea
Robert Allain Republican Yea
Stewart Jr. Cathey Republican Yea
Thomas A. Pressly Republican Yea
Valarie Hodges Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

healthcare
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 451?
SB 451 is sponsored by Tehmi Jahi Chassion (Democrat) and Caleb Kleinpeter (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 451?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 30, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 451?
Track SB 451 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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