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

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 262: STUDENT/ASSESSMENT: Prohibits requiring students to pass state-administered end-of-course (LEAP) tests in order to graduate from high school

HB 262 removes a requirement for Louisiana high school students to pass state-administered end-of-course tests (like the LEAP assessments) to earn a diploma. It states that students who successfully complete all required coursework (Carnegie units) for graduation will automatically receive a high school diploma, regardless of their test scores. The bill directly affects all Louisiana public high school students by eliminating a barrier to graduation tied to standardized testing. This policy change shifts graduation eligibility solely to course completion, not test performance, for the first time under Louisiana's current framework.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves standardized test barrier for graduation, improving access to diplomas by prioritizing course completion over testing outcomes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Testing & Assessment

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 482: TOPS: Revises the initial and continuing eligibility requirements for a TOPS-Tech award and provides for the award amount at public colleges and universities (EG +$3,200,000 GF EX See Note)

HB 482 proposes to increase the TOPS-Tech scholarship award amount to $4,500 annually for students enrolled in eligible programs at Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) institutions, effective for first-time freshmen enrolling in 2026-2027 or later. It revises eligibility by requiring students to meet only two of three academic benchmarks (minimum GPA, ACT score, or early college credits) instead of all three, and allows deferral of award acceptance until age 25 for LCTCS students. The bill also adjusts academic progress requirements, including a minimum 2.00 GPA and continuous enrollment standards, to maintain eligibility. These changes directly affect Louisiana students pursuing technical degrees at LCTCS colleges.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases TOPS-Tech scholarship funding to $4,500/year and lowers eligibility requirements, expanding access to higher education financial aid at LCTCS institutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 120: AMUSEMENTS/SPORTS: Provides relative to intercollegiate athletes at a postsecondary education institution. (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)

SB 120 allows intercollegiate athletes at Louisiana colleges to earn compensation for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL), while requiring schools to facilitate these opportunities. It mandates that institutions provide annual financial literacy and life skills training for athletes, totaling at least seven hours per year. The bill also specifies that NIL contracts must comply with state law and prohibits institutions from restricting athletes' NIL activities under certain conditions. This directly affects student-athletes and Louisiana public and private universities participating in intercollegiate sports.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates financial literacy training for athletes in postsecondary education, enhancing student development within higher education programs without restricting funding or curriculum.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 395: SCHOOLS: Requires the state Department of Education to create a program to recruit, hire, and retain mental health professionals (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

HB 395 requires Louisiana's Department of Education to create a program recruiting, hiring, and retaining mental health professionals - including counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and behavioral health specialists - in public elementary and secondary schools. The bill mandates the department to aim for a ratio of one mental health professional per 250 students across all public schools. Implementation depends on future legislative funding, as Section 2 states the program becomes effective only after a specific appropriation is approved. This directly affects Louisiana's public schools and their ability to support student mental health needs through staff expansion.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates future state funding for mental health programs in schools, requiring budget allocation to implement the program, aligning with funding essential services.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates mental health professional staffing ratio (1:250 students) to enhance student support services in public schools, directly advancing educational access and student well-being.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates recruitment of mental health professionals in schools to achieve 1:250 ratio, directly supporting mental health services access for students.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates state program to recruit/retain mental health professionals in schools, creating new employment opportunities and addressing workforce needs in education sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Student Health Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 570: TAX/AD VALOREM TAX: Authorizes a taxing authority to levy a millage at a rate lower than the maximum authorized rate under certain circumstances (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

HB 570 modifies Louisiana's property tax rules to allow local taxing authorities (like parishes, cities, or school boards) to adjust millage rates after reassessments. It permits elected bodies to raise rates up to the constitutional maximum with a two-thirds vote (no voter approval needed), while non-elected bodies face a 2.5% annual revenue cap on increases. Unspent rate allowances expire after 2024 (2023 for Orleans Parish), resetting to 2026 rates, and rates automatically decrease if reassessment increases property values. The bill directly affects local governments setting property taxes and property owners paying those taxes, effective January 1, 2027, pending constitutional amendment approval.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllows school boards (as elected bodies) to adjust property tax rates without voter approval, enabling potential increases in school funding. Directly supports education revenue generation.85% confidence

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 105: TOPS: Provides relative to TOPS eligibility. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands higher education access for veterans by modifying TOPS-Tech eligibility criteria without reducing funding.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands TOPS-Tech eligibility for Louisiana veterans with military discharge docs, meeting ACT score requirement, directly advancing educational benefits for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Employment

passed · Louisiana · Senate May 18, 2026

SB 135: GAMING: Provides relative to the dedication of revenue from sports wagering. (7/1/27) (EG SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing sports wagering tax revenue (capped at $20M/year) to fund early childhood education, advancing public service funding without new taxes.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRedirects 25% of sports wagering tax revenue ($20M/year cap) to early childhood education fund, increasing dedicated funding without new taxes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Early Childhood

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

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 386: SCHOOLS/CHARTER: Provides relative to charter school funding (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 386 clarifies funding rules for Louisiana charter schools by requiring that Type 1, 3, 3B (non-LEA), and Type 4 charter schools receive per-pupil funding based on the state's minimum foundation program, adjusted for student needs. The bill allows these schools to operate as their own local education agency (LEA) for funding purposes with local school board approval, while Type 2 and 5 charter schools are automatically treated as the LEA. It also authorizes the state to withhold 0.25% of certain fees from charter schools to cover administrative costs for financial oversight. This affects all Louisiana charter schools receiving state funding and standardizes their financial relationship with local districts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesClarifies per-pupil funding rules for charter schools, ensuring state budget allocation aligns with foundation program requirements, supporting equitable education funding distribution.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationClarifies and mandates per-pupil funding for charter schools based on state foundation program, ensuring equitable financial support for public education access and operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice School Funding