Senate Select Committee on Women and Children
August 17, 2026
9:30 a.m.
John J. Hainkel, Jr. Room

Scheduled		 




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CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 March 10, 2026

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
 1. Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
 A. A. Update on WIC program and enrollment of qualified women and children
 2. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
 A. Update on online, email, and hotline child abuse reporting procedures.
 B. Update on reorganization of the department and reclassification of staff.
 C. Update on child abuse and child fatality in the custody of DCFS for 2025 and 2026.
 D. Update on the implementation Act 960 of 2026 Regular Session.
 3. Presentation from the Child Review Death Panel task force
 A. Dr. Gina Lagarde, Chairwomen and Amy Zapata, Director
 4. Constituent and Public Comment

CONSIDERATION OF ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE COMMITTEE

ADJOURNMENT

Persons who do not feel comfortable giving testimony in person may submit a prepared statement in accordance with Senate Rule 13.79, in lieu of appearing before the committee. Statements may be emailed to cottonb@legis.la.gov and must be received by the committee secretary at least four hours prior to the meeting to be included in the record for this committee meeting.

Audio/visual presentations, such as PowerPoint, must be received by the committee secretary at cottonb@legis.la.gov at least twenty-four hours PRIOR to the scheduled start of the committee meeting for review and prior approval. Thumb drives will NOT be accepted.

Persons desiring to participate in the meeting should utilize appropriate protective health measures and observe the recommended and appropriate social distancing.