This bill authorizes the use of career coaches alongside school counselors to help public middle and high school students and their parents create personalized graduation plans. The law establishes that these professionals can work together or independently to guide students through their educational goals. By adding career coaches to the list of eligible advisors, the measure expands the support options available to students without changing the core requirement of developing an individualized plan.
This bill requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to update science and health education standards to include the science of human growth and development, specifically covering prenatal growth and fetal development. It asks the board to provide age-appropriate instructional materials, such as high-definition ultrasound videos or computer-generated animations, on its website to support teaching these topics. The resolution also requires the board to submit a written report to state education committees by March 1, 2027, detailing any actions taken in response to these requests. This is a non-binding concurrent resolution that urges the board to consider these changes rather than mandating them.
This bill creates a new pathway for establishing vocational and technical charter schools in Louisiana that bypass local school boards and go directly to the state board for approval. To qualify, these schools must offer programs aligned with high-demand, high-wage jobs in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and energy, and they must receive a formal resolution of support from the State Board of Commerce and Industry. The legislation allows up to 50% of student enrollment to be reserved for children of employees or residents working in the specific industry the school serves, while also permitting industry representatives to sit on the school's governing board. Additionally, the bill requires charter agreements to include memorandums of understanding with local businesses to provide support such as internships and career counseling.
This bill ensures that laboratory schools run by public universities in Louisiana, including those under the University of Louisiana System, receive state funding through the Minimum Foundation Program. It updates existing state law to classify these schools as public elementary or secondary schools, making them eligible for annual funding allocations based on a standardized formula. The change directly affects university-operated schools like those at Louisiana State University, Southern University, and institutions such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Monroe. By including these schools in the funding formula, the legislation aims to provide consistent financial support for their operations without altering their university affiliation.
SB 105 amends Louisiana's TOPS program to expand eligibility for the TOPS-Tech Award to veterans honorably discharged from U.S. military installations located in Louisiana. To qualify, veterans must earn a 17+ ACT score (or equivalent SAT/ACT WorkKeys silver level) and submit their DD-214 discharge documents. The bill specifically applies to the 2020-2023 academic years and targets veterans who served at Louisiana military bases. It modifies existing eligibility rules without changing funding or creating new benefits, focusing solely on qualifying veterans for technical college financial aid.
HB 636, the "Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act," requires Louisiana public colleges and universities to prevent, report, and respond to hazing involving student organizations. It defines hazing broadly (including physical brutality, dangerous activities, or substance consumption) and mandates annual hazing education for all students starting fall 2027, plus specific orientation education for new students. The bill also requires student organizations to report hazing incidents to both law enforcement and their institution, and institutions must document all actions and share full details with law enforcement. These provisions directly affect public postsecondary institutions, their students, and all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and clubs.
SB 351 modifies Louisiana's Early Childhood Education Fund rules by requiring local entities receiving state funds to provide a 1:1 match from non-government sources to expand childcare slots for families in the Child Care Assistance Program. It specifically targets quality slots in centers serving children under 15 months, limiting eligibility to economically disadvantaged families as defined by the State Board. The bill also expands the Advisory Council's role to advise on early education programs like Head Start and the Child Care Assistance Program. These changes directly affect local childcare providers and low-income families accessing state-funded early education services.
SB 14 allows retired Louisiana teachers to return to eligible teaching positions while receiving partial retirement benefits, affecting those who retired before June 2010, are age 65 or older, or return within 12 months of retirement. Retirees can choose between two options: working with earnings capped at 50% of their original salary (receiving reduced benefits but no additional retirement credits) or suspending benefits to regain full membership during reemployment, with a supplemental benefit calculated upon leaving. The bill requires retirees to pay employee contributions during reemployment but refunds these contributions (without interest) upon termination, while employer contributions are retained. Disability retirees are excluded, and the bill includes reporting requirements with an effective date of July 1, 2026.
HB 28 amends Louisiana's teacher certification appeals process to give the state superintendent of education new authority. It allows the superintendent to override a Teacher Certification Appeals Council's denial of certification if the denial resulted from circumstances beyond the applicant's control (e.g., administrative errors), but not if the certification would conflict with state or federal law. This applies to applicants denied certification after January 1, 2025, including retroactive review of past denials. The bill directly affects educators seeking certification who have been denied by the appeals council. The key change is adding this superintendent override option while maintaining the council's decision as final except under these specific conditions.
SB 135 directs 25% of annual tax revenue from sports wagering (capped at $20 million per year) to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund. This bill amends tax code to ensure these dedicated funds support early childhood education programs statewide. The provision takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to all future sports wagering tax proceeds meeting the specified thresholds. It does not create new taxes but redirects existing revenue streams to a specific education fund.
