HIGHER EDUCATION: Expands eligible programs for M.J. Foster Promise Program funding to include those associated with LED projects (EG +$1,257,762 SD EX See Note)
HB 395 expands the types of higher education programs eligible for funding through the M.J. Foster Promise Program. This bill specifically includes programs associated with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) projects in the eligibility criteria. To assist in selecting these new qualified programs and reviewing associate degree offerings, the Board of Regents is authorized to enter into data sharing agreements. These agreements would be with Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Workforce Commission, aiming to align educational funding with state economic and workforce needs.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Apr 3, 2025
Last action May 12, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
HB395 Original
→
HB395 Engrossed
·
2 edits
·
Apr 29, 2025
MINOR
The bill was amended to expand the scope of eligible educational programs from the 'associate degree level or below' to 'associate degree level and below,' ensuring that associate degree holders are explicitly included in workforce development initiatives. Additionally, a new subsection (I) was added to authorize the Board of Regents to enter into data sharing agreements with state agencies, improving coordination for program oversight.
Scope change
The bill's scope was broadened to explicitly include associate degree programs in the list of eligible workforce development initiatives.
ELIGIBILITY
Updated eligibility criteria to include programs at the associate degree level and below, removing the previous ambiguity that might have excluded associate degrees.
REQUIREMENT
Added a new requirement allowing the Board of Regents to create data sharing agreements with Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Workforce Commission to facilitate better program tracking and support.
Floor votes · House Apr 29, 2025
How they voted
94–0
Passed · 9 other
Total votes 103
Apr 29, 2025
D
Democratic30
90% Yea
R
Republican73
91% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
3
Committee
5
May 12, 2025
Committee
Read by title. Recommitted to the Committee on Finance.
upper
May 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably.
upper
Apr 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 95, nays 0. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.
lower
Apr 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported with amendments (10-0).
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Committee
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Education.
lower
Apr 3, 2025
Committee
Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Education.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Ken Brass
DDemocratic
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