CHILDREN: Provides for testimony of medical experts in child custody and in need of care cases. (8/1/26)

SB 66 requires Louisiana courts to prioritize testimony from medical experts subpoenaed in child custody or child in need of care cases involving alleged abuse or neglect. It mandates that courts hear these medical experts before other witnesses and allows for expedited hearings to secure their testimony before granting continuances. The law applies specifically to cases under Louisiana’s Civil Code (custody) and Children’s Code (child in need of care). This changes court scheduling procedures to ensure medical evidence about potential child harm is reviewed more promptly. The bill does not alter custody standards or create new legal requirements beyond testimony prioritization.