SB 488 establishes a pilot program to use drones as part of school safety and crisis response plans. The bill directly affects school districts by allowing them to incorporate drone technology into their existing emergency management strategies. It requires the state to fund this pilot program to test how drones can assist during school emergencies. The legislation amends the title to refer to 'Education' instead of 'Schools' to broaden the scope of the program.
SB 174 authorizes Louisiana Tech University and the state commissioner of administration to transfer a specific parcel of state-owned property (Lot 1, Shreve Park Industrial Campus) in Caddo Parish to the Caddo Parish School Board, excluding mineral rights. The bill requires the parties to agree on terms proportional to the property's appraised value and execute necessary documents for the transfer. This legislation directly affects the Caddo Parish School Board, which would gain ownership of the described parcel for potential educational or community use, while the state retains mineral rights to the land.
SB 304 establishes new rules for accrediting Louisiana's public colleges and universities, giving the Board of Regents authority to set accreditation policies. It directly affects all public postsecondary institutions and their management boards (like those for LSU, Southern University, and community colleges). Key provisions require institutions to get management board approval before switching accreditors, mandate that new accreditors must prioritize student success, educational quality, affordability, and financial stability, and prohibit any accreditor from conditioning accreditation on legal violations. The bill also requires institutions to publicly post accreditation status updates on their websites.
SB 346 prohibits K-12 schools and staff from creating or sharing deepfake audio or video content intended to coerce, harass, intimidate, or maliciously distribute against students. It defines "deepfake" as digitally altered media falsely appearing authentic (excluding political satire, news commentary, or clearly disclosed parodies), and requires the State Board of Education to develop implementation rules. The law directly affects all Louisiana public and private K-12 students and school employees, banning the use of manipulated media for harmful purposes. Key provisions include clear prohibitions on malicious deepfakes while preserving protected speech like satire, with enforcement through state education rules. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee.
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.
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.
HB 738 proposes changes to disciplinary procedures at Louisiana public colleges and universities for student misconduct. It requires institutions to provide detailed written notices of charges - including specific policy violations and evidence - to students facing suspension (10+ days) or expulsion, and grants accused students and alleged victims the right to be represented by an attorney or advocate at their own expense. The bill sets evidence standards (clear and convincing evidence for most cases, preponderance of evidence only for serious injury/death cases with documented proof), mandates access to disciplinary files 7+ business days before hearings, and requires written appeal decisions. Sanctions cannot take effect until all appeals are resolved, with a 14-day window to file an appeal after a decision. The bill applies to all students and student organizations at public postsecondary institutions in Louisiana.
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.
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.
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.
