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HLS 26RS-1039 ENGROSSED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 902
BY REPRESENTATIVE MARCELLE
HEALTH: Provides relative to the creation of a trauma-informed training program
1 AN ACT
2 To enact Part IX of Chapter 5-G of Title 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be
3 comprised of R.S. 40:1300.81 and 1300.82, relative to trauma informed training; to
4 direct the Louisiana Department of Health to develop trauma-informed training; to
5 provide for delivering training; and to provide for related matters.
6 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
7 Section 1. Part IX of Chapter 5-G of Title 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of
8 1950, comprised of R.S. 40:1300.81 and 1300.82, is hereby enacted to read as follows:
9 PART IX. TRAUMA-INFORMED TRAINING PROGRAM
10 §1300.81. Definitions
11 As used in this Section, the following terms have the meaning ascribed to
12 them:
13 (1) "Adverse childhood events" or "ACEs" means potentially traumatic
14 events occurring before the age of eighteen, including but not limited to any of the
15 following:
16 (a) Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
17 (b) Physical or emotional neglect.
18 (c) Household substance abuse.
19 (d) Domestic violence.
20 (e) Parental incarceration.
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HLS 26RS-1039 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 902
1 (f) Other forms of chronic stress or instability.
2 (2) "Child education personnel" means any individual employed by or
3 providing services to a public elementary or secondary school including but not
4 limited to teachers, administrators, school counselors, school social workers, school
5 nurses, paraprofessionals, classroom aides, and school resource officers.
6 (3) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Health
7 (4) "Trauma-informed practices" means policies, procedures, and
8 interactions that recognize the presence and impact of trauma and respond in ways
9 that promote student safety, empowerment, and healing while avoiding
10 re-traumatization.
11 §1300.82. Trauma-informed training program
12 A. The department shall develop a comprehensive, evidence-based,
13 statewide trauma-informed training program for child education personnel.
14 B. The training program shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
15 (1) Provide education on the prevalence and impact of adverse childhood
16 events.
17 (2) Identify common signs and symptoms of trauma in children and
18 adolescents.
19 (3) Provide strategies for responding to trauma-related behaviors in a
20 supportive and non-punitive manner.
21 (4) Promote culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate
22 approaches.
23 (5) Include guidance on referral pathways to appropriate school-based or
24 community-based mental health and support services.
25 (6) Emphasize self-care and secondary trauma prevention for educators and
26 school staff.
27 C. The department may consult with the Department of Education, child
28 welfare agencies, mental health professionals, and other relevant stakeholders in
29 developing the training curriculum.
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HLS 26RS-1039 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 902
1 D. The department may provide the training through in-person instruction
2 or online modules.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 902 Engrossed 2026 Regular Session Marcelle
Abstract: Directs the La. Dept. of Health (LDH) to develop trauma-informed training of
school personnel.
Proposed law provides for definitions.
Proposed law defines adverse childhood events as potentially traumatic events occurring
before age eighteen including abuse, neglect, household substance abuse, domestic violence,
parental incarceration, and other chronic stressors.
Proposed law requires the LDH to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based, statewide
trauma-informed training program for child education personnel.
Proposed law requires the training program to educate school personnel on the prevalence
and impact of adverse childhood events.
Proposed law requires the training program to identify common signs and symptoms of
trauma in children and adolescents.
Proposed law requires the training program to provide supportive, non-punitive strategies
for responding to trauma-related behaviors.
Proposed law requires the training program to promote culturally responsive and
developmentally appropriate approaches.
Proposed law requires the training program to include guidance on referrals to appropriate
school-based and community-based mental health and support services.
Proposed law requires the training program to emphasize self-care and prevention of
secondary trauma for educators and school staff.
Proposed law authorizes the LDH to consult with the Department of Education, child welfare
agencies, mental health professionals, and other stakeholders in developing the curriculum.
Proposed law authorizes the LDH to deliver the training through in-person instruction or
online modules.
(Adds R.S. 40:1300.81 and 1300.82 )
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to
the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.