Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 363: STUDENTS: Authorizes students enrolled in virtual schools to participate in public school activities

HB 363 allows students enrolled in virtual schools to join public school extracurricular activities and sports teams at their neighborhood school based on where they live. It requires schools to treat virtual students the same as in-person students for tryouts, eligibility, and participation standards like grades and conduct. The bill prohibits schools from excluding virtual students from activities solely due to their enrollment type and bans participation in athletic associations that deny such students eligibility. This directly affects virtual school students in Louisiana and the public schools they reside near.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by requiring equal participation in activities for virtual students, removing enrollment-based barriers per bill language.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

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

Track

passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 81: SCHOOLS/ENROLLMENT: Requests that the state Department of Education conduct a study of options for public school systems facing declining enrollment

This bill requests the state Department of Education to study options for public school systems and charter schools that are experiencing declining enrollment. The key provision involves expanding the scope of the study to explicitly include charter schools alongside traditional public school districts. By adding "and charter schools" to the text in multiple locations, the legislation ensures that both types of institutions are considered when exploring solutions to low enrollment numbers.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates a study to find solutions for declining enrollment, aiming to protect and strengthen public and charter schools.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

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

Track

passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 28: NURSES: Creates the Task Force on School Nurse Orientation

This bill establishes a Task Force on School Nurse Orientation in Louisiana to create a training program for new registered nurses entering public schools. The task force will review existing orientation programs, identify essential skills for school nurses, and develop recommendations for standardized training and mentorship opportunities. It will consist of nine representatives from various organizations including nursing associations, education agencies, and health departments, and must begin its work by August 1, 2026. The group will submit its recommendations to the legislature and will dissolve once its work is complete or by February 12, 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates task force to improve school nurse training, enhancing student health support and educational environment in K-12 schools85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates task force to improve school nurse training and orientation, strengthening healthcare access and quality in schools.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed both · Louisiana · House May 26, 2026

HCR 26: STUDENT/STANDARDS: Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education incorporate the science of human growth and development into content standards and to provide curriculum and instructional materials on its website

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances science education by requiring inclusion of human growth and development in standards, expanding curriculum content and providing instructional materials for teachers.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed · Louisiana · House May 26, 2026

HB 1112: EARLY CHILDHOOD: Provides relative to prekindergarten programs

This bill amends Louisiana laws governing prekindergarten programs by removing the requirement that nonpublic prekindergarten programs be licensed as early learning centers, while applying child safety and welfare standards to all school-based prekindergarten programs. The legislation allows the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to approve nonpublic prekindergarten programs and authorizes the board to adopt emergency rules when necessary. Key provisions include revised child-to-staff ratios that vary by age group and a phased implementation schedule, with stricter ratios taking effect starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The bill also clarifies definitions for "camp" and "early learning center" to distinguish between standalone programs and those attached to schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands prekindergarten access by removing restrictive licensing requirements while maintaining safety standards, enhancing early childhood education opportunities.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

passed · Louisiana · House May 25, 2026

HB 350: EDUCATION: Provides for students at École Pointe-au-Chien (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)

HB 350 creates École Pointe-au-Chien as a public French immersion school serving students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade in Terrebonne Parish. The bill establishes the school as independent from state education boards, operating under its own board of directors. It specifies the school’s grade levels and location while requiring French immersion instruction as part of its curriculum. This directly affects students enrolled at École Pointe-au-Chien and its governing board.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates new public French immersion school, expanding educational access and curriculum options for K-4 students in Terrebonne Parish.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

Track

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 522: SCHOOLS: Provides for approval for charter schools that specialize in vocational and technical education to meet workforce demands for high demand and high wage jobs. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a specific approval pathway for vocational and technical charter schools, expanding educational access and enhancing student programs for workforce preparation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1132: SCHOOLS/FINANCE-MFP: Provides for funding any laboratory school operated by a public postsecondary education institution in the University of Louisiana System through the minimum foundation program

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides state funding for laboratory schools through the Minimum Foundation Program, directly advancing public education budget allocations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides state funding for university-operated laboratory schools, classifying them as public elementary/secondary schools eligible for standardized funding allocations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Education