EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: Provides for a pioneering STEM technology program known as "Farm-Ed". (8/1/25) (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)

SB 180 creates a pilot program called "Farm-Ed" to integrate controlled environment grow chambers and related STEM curriculum into Louisiana public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Education must develop rules for selecting participating schools and allocating funds from available appropriations. The program aims to provide hands-on agricultural technology education in classrooms, with implementation to begin as soon as funding is secured. This bill directly affects Louisiana K-12 schools participating in the pilot and requires new administrative rules for its operation.