SB 157 would require Louisiana public school districts to provide eligible educators with six weeks (240 hours) of paid parental leave at 100% of base pay for qualifying events like birth, adoption, foster placement, or pregnancy loss. This applies to full- or part-time school employees with at least one year of service, covering both parents who are eligible. Schools must adopt written policies, provide advance notice to employees about their rights, and prohibit counting this leave as an absence that could lead to disciplinary action. The bill does not override existing better benefits in union contracts or other laws but mandates this new standard for public school employees.
HB 818 limits the time Louisiana public school students spend on standardized tests to no more than 2% of annual instructional time starting in 2027-2028, excluding college exams, accommodations for students with disabilities, and teacher-selected classroom assessments. It requires schools and the state education department to publish annual, publicly accessible schedules of all required tests online by specific deadlines, listing details like test names, grade levels, administration dates, and time estimates. The bill mandates that these schedules exclude locally developed tests not required by federal or state law and must be updated within 10 business days of any changes. This directly affects Louisiana public school students, teachers, and school districts by standardizing test transparency and restricting testing time.
HB 749 authorizes Louisiana’s Tuition Trust Authority to hire a private program manager to administer three existing savings programs: ABLE (for people with disabilities), START (for college savings), and START K12 (for K-12 education). It allows the authority to contract with this manager for account management and investment of funds after December 31, 2026, or when the contract is signed - whichever comes later. Until that date, the state continues managing interest rates, investments, and fund transfers under current rules. The bill updates statutes to formalize this transition and requires coordination with the state treasurer and legislative leaders. This change affects how Louisiana’s education savings programs operate, shifting administrative control to a contracted provider while maintaining existing program structures.
HB 256 clarifies that school employees, including those in charter schools, must follow existing mandatory reporter laws. It directly affects teachers, staff, and other school employees who are already required to report suspected child abuse under Louisiana law. The bill amends two statutes to ensure school employees comply with training and reporting requirements previously mandated for child care providers, removing any ambiguity about charter schools being exempt. This creates a consistent policy requiring all school employees to complete Department of Children and Family Services training and report suspected abuse.
HB 271 creates the Louisiana Commission on Foundational Education to evaluate and recommend improvements for K-8 foundational literacy and numeracy programs, replacing the dissolved Louisiana Literacy Advisory Commission. The new commission, composed of diverse stakeholders including educators, parents, state officials, and experts, will research education policies, analyze data, and develop evidence-based recommendations for early education practices. It must submit annual reports to the governor, legislature, and education boards, with the state Department of Education providing staff support and transferring the old commission's records. The bill directly affects Louisiana's K-8 education system by establishing a permanent advisory body focused on early skill development.
This bill directs the Louisiana Board of Regents to conduct a comprehensive study on the state's need-based financial aid programs. The study must examine eligibility rules, how well current aid meets student needs, and how these programs align with workforce goals. It also requires comparing Louisiana's approach with other states and identifying barriers that prevent students from accessing available help. The Board of Regents must submit its findings and recommendations to several legislative committees by February 15, 2027.
This concurrent resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to review safety conditions in school zones located on state highways. The bill specifically requests an evaluation of barriers that prevent the implementation of improved safety measures and lower speed limits in these areas. It was introduced following a fatal accident involving a crossing guard, highlighting concerns about speeding vehicles and unsafe driving near schools. The measure does not mandate any immediate changes but serves as a formal request for the state agency to investigate and address potential hazards.
This bill creates a K-12 Student Success Pathways Task Force to study how public schools can better advise students on career and academic options. The task force will develop recommendations for a statewide plan that helps guide students through their education. The bill also adds two specific representatives to the task force: the executive director of Louisiana Kids Matter and the chairman of Louisiana Associated Builders and Contractors. These changes aim to establish a formal process for improving student guidance in public schools without mandating specific outcomes.
This bill establishes a task force to examine Louisiana's Minimum Foundation Program formula, which determines how state and local funds are distributed to public schools. The group will study ways to create a stable, permanent funding source for teacher and support staff pay raises, ensuring these increases are not dependent on temporary or one-time money. The bill directly affects school systems, educators, and taxpayers by aiming to replace uncertain, short-term funding with a predictable long-term solution. By analyzing the current complex funding structure, the task force will provide recommendations to improve clarity and sustainability for school budgets and employee compensation.
This bill establishes a Work-Based Learning Coordination Task Force within the Louisiana Education Department to oversee programs that connect students with real-world job experiences. The task force will be composed of representatives from various sectors, including school superintendents, business leaders, economic development organizations, and public charter schools. Recent amendments adjust the number of members from specific groups and clarify that one member must represent a medium-to-large business. The group is designed to coordinate efforts across urban and rural K-12 schools to improve workforce preparation for students.
