Education

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 322: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Provides relative to apprentices. (8/1/26)

SB 322 creates a new "Louisiana Youth Apprentice" category for workers under 24 in apprenticeship programs. It requires youth apprentices to complete at least 375 hours of employment combined with an approved training program leading to both a high school diploma or equivalent and an industry credential (like a certificate or technical certification). This defines a separate pathway from standard apprenticeships, which require 2,000+ hours, and applies specifically to young workers seeking job training and credentials. The bill amends existing Louisiana law to establish these youth-specific eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires apprenticeship program to lead to high school diploma or equivalent, expanding educational access for youth under 24.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 649: HIGHER EDUCATION: Requires the establishment and administration of a statewide application process for dual enrollment programs

HB 649 requires Louisiana's Board of Regents to create a single statewide application system for high school students seeking dual enrollment courses at public colleges. It mandates all public postsecondary institutions to participate in this system unless they provide written notice of non-participation to their management board. The bill also directs management boards to develop plans for improving student access and cost efficiency, with implementation required by the 2027-2028 school year. This change directly affects high school students, public colleges, and their administrative boards by replacing multiple application processes with a standardized, statewide approach.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates statewide dual enrollment application system to expand college access for high school students and requires cost efficiency plans, directly advancing educational access in higher education.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 392: SCHOOLS: Provides relative to requirements for posting suicide hotline information on school websites and student ID cards

HB 392 requires all Louisiana public and nonpublic secondary schools to post suicide prevention hotline information on their websites and print it on student ID cards. Specifically, schools must display the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number "988" (with instructions to call or text) and, if available, local and state suicide prevention hotline numbers. This bill updates existing requirements by broadening the scope to all secondary schools and standardizing the required information. The policy directly affects schools and students by ensuring immediate access to crisis resources through everyday school materials.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates suicide hotline info on school sites/IDs, enhancing student safety programs within K-12 schools per bill's requirements.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates suicide hotline access on school websites/ID cards, directly supporting mental health services by improving student access to crisis resources.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 283: SCHOOLS: Provides relative to incidents of assault and battery on students and school employees (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)

HB 283, the "Teacher's Shield Act," requires immediate suspension of students accused of assaulting or battering school employees (including teachers, substitutes, bus operators, or volunteers) on or off school property. If found guilty by a court or school hearing, students face mandatory expulsion for at least two full school semesters, with placement in an alternative school and required anger management, and cannot return to the school where the incident occurred. The bill also expands sick leave for school employees to cover medical, psychological, and rehabilitation treatment following such incidents. These changes aim to protect school staff and establish clear disciplinary consequences for student violence against employees.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProtects teachers by mandating expulsion for student assaults, enhancing school safety within education policy framework.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates immediate suspension for students assaulting school employees, directly enhancing workplace safety protections for teachers and staff.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 380: COLLEGES/COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL: Authorizes any institution under the supervision and management of the Bd. of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges to establish a pilot program with a school system to increase awareness of and access to certain training programs (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)

HB 380 authorizes Sowela Technical Community College to create a pilot program partnering with local public school systems in Louisiana. The program aims to increase awareness and access to commercial driver's license (CDL), entry-level driver training, and transportation/logistics career programs for students. The partnership requires approval from both Sowela's governing board and the local school board before implementation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes college-school partnerships to increase access to career training programs, expanding educational opportunities for students.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 445: EDUCATION: Provides relative to the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Advisory Council (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

HB 445 transfers Louisiana's STEM Advisory Council from the Department of Education to Louisiana Works and redefines its responsibilities. The bill requires the council to create a statewide STEM education plan, coordinate programs with workforce needs, encourage industry funding, and establish a resource clearinghouse. It creates a dedicated STEM Education Fund to support student-focused programs (including robotics competitions via FIRST) from pre-K through college, funded by legislative appropriations and private donations. The council must submit annual reports to education committees and meet quarterly, with members able to participate electronically. This bill directly affects STEM education programs, schools, and industry partners across Louisiana.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates dedicated STEM Education Fund for student programs (pre-K-college), including robotics, aligning with education funding and program enhancement indicators.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds STEM education programs including robotics competitions via FIRST, directly supporting technology education and workforce development.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 319: BOARDS/COMMISSIONS: Provides relative to the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education

HB 319 revises the membership structure of the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education. It specifies appointments from various groups, including the Louisiana Legislators Back to School Program, Project Citizen, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, the League of Women Voters, and civic organizations like the NAACP and Louisiana Press Association. The bill removes previous membership categories and establishes a quorum requirement of ten members, with official actions needing a majority vote of those present. This procedural change affects how the commission is composed but does not alter its civic education mission.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill revises membership of Louisiana Commission on Civic Education, including civic groups like NAACP, to strengthen curriculum development and civic engagement in schools.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

passed · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HR 249: STUDENT/STANDARDS: Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to incorporate artificial intelligence into content standards

This legislative resolution asks the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to update school content standards to include artificial intelligence. The bill aims to ensure students learn about AI in a way that is safe, private, and ethical while preparing them for future work and civic life. By incorporating AI into academic instruction, the measure seeks to help Louisiana remain competitive in technology and other fields. The request is directed at the state education board, which is responsible for setting curriculum standards for public schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates AI integration into curriculum to prepare students for future work and maintain competitiveness.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates inclusion of AI in education standards to prepare students for future work and ensure safe, ethical use.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 97: CURRICULA: Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, study the feasibility of incorporating age- and grade-appropriate hunting education, conservation education, and shooting sports courses into curricula for public school students in grades five through twelve

This concurrent resolution asks the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study whether it is possible to add hunting, conservation, and shooting sports classes to public school curricula for students in grades five through twelve. The study, which must be completed by March 1, 2027, will explore how these courses could fit into existing physical education programs or be offered as electives, covering topics like firearm safety, wildlife identification, and outdoor survival skills. The bill also considers whether completing such a course could lead to official Hunter Education Certification for students. Ultimately, the resolution directs the state education board and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to investigate this idea and report their findings to the state legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill proposes adding new educational courses on hunting and conservation to public school curricula, expanding student programs and educational access.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes conservation education and hunting to foster appreciation for wildlife and natural resources.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 27: EDUCATION/SPECIAL: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health and the state Department of Education to analyze the adequacy of autism support services in the state

This bill requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Department of Education to create a comprehensive report on the current state of autism support services in Louisiana. The report will examine diagnostic practices, service availability, and access barriers across healthcare and education sectors, involving collaboration with the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It will assess diagnostic tools, provider training, wait times, and compare Louisiana's services to other states to identify gaps and areas for improvement. The final report must be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2027, to inform future policy decisions regarding autism support.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill requests analysis of autism support services in education, aiming to improve access and identify barriers for students with autism.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill requests analysis of autism support services to improve access and identify barriers, indicating intent to strengthen healthcare services for this population.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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