This Louisiana concurrent resolution requests that the United States Congress classify the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree as a professional degree eligible for enhanced federal student loan borrowing limits. The measure aims to allow physical therapy students to access higher levels of federal financial aid, similar to other professional degree programs, rather than being restricted by lower undergraduate loan caps. It specifically targets students pursuing physical therapy education in Louisiana to support workforce development and address healthcare needs in the state. As a memorial resolution, this document does not change state law directly but formally asks the federal government to adjust eligibility rules for student loans.
This bill updates the mathematics course requirements for students to qualify for Louisiana's TOPS scholarship awards, including Opportunity, Performance, Honors, Excellence, and TOPS-Tech programs. It establishes specific math course sequences that students must complete, allowing them to choose between traditional Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II or an alternative integrated mathematics sequence. The law sets different requirements based on graduation year, with some students needing three math units while others need four, and it expands course options for TOPS-Tech recipients to include applied math and computer science classes. These changes directly affect high school students graduating between 2021 and 2030 who wish to receive state scholarship funding.
This Louisiana bill creates a specific offense for battery against school teachers, defined as battery committed when the perpetrator knows the victim is a teacher or targets them due to their job. It sets harsher penalties for non-student offenders (up to 5 years in jail or $5,000 fine) versus students (up to 1.5 years jail with 72 hours mandatory for minor cases, or up to 1 year for injuries requiring medical care). Juvenile offenders under 17 are handled under the Children's Code, requiring court-approved counseling (costs borne by the family) and secure detention for teens 14+ who commit this crime. The law applies to all school teachers during work duties and modifies juvenile court procedures for such offenses.
HB 218 requires Louisiana public schools to screen all students in grades K-12 for food insecurity at enrollment and once per semester, plus during school health clinic visits. The bill mandates using a free, age-appropriate screening tool selected by the state Department of Education and Health, with results kept confidential except for parents/guardians or authorized school staff. Schools must refer identified students to resources like meal programs, food pantries, and public assistance. Charter schools are exempt from this requirement under Section 3996(B)(24), but the bill applies directly to public school students and their families.
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 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 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 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.
This bill requires Louisiana school districts to create policies for identifying and addressing overcapacity, where too many schools exist relative to student enrollment and facility needs. It mandates that superintendents annually report on overcapacity status and recommend specific actions, such as closing schools or terminating charter contracts, to reduce the number of operating schools. The law allows school boards to end charter agreements early if overcapacity exists and prohibits new schools from opening in areas already facing excess capacity. Additionally, the bill clarifies that school districts can lease or sell vacant properties to charter schools without being subject to certain state requirements when these actions are taken to resolve overcapacity.
