Education (Career & Technical Education)

HB 827 creates the Louisiana Plumbing Workforce Access Act, establishing a new pathway for obtaining plumbing licensure through community colleges and vocational schools instead of requiring employer sponsorship. It directly affects aspiring plumbers, particularly those from low-income communities, rural areas, and returning citizens (formerly incarcerated individuals), by providing structured classroom training, competency assessments, and supervised work experience (industry rotation) at participating employers. Key provisions include mandatory curriculum standards covering plumbing codes and safety, independent competency checkpoints to verify skills, and a requirement for students to complete 2,000 hours of hands-on work across multiple employers. The bill maintains existing exam standards and licensing requirements while expanding access to the profession to address a statewide shortage of licensed plumbers.

SB 95 creates a new Type 2 charter school category specifically for vocational and technical education programs designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage "STAR jobs" (as defined by Louisiana Works). It requires applicants to obtain a resolution of support from Louisiana’s Board of Commerce and Industry and allows enrollment preferences for students whose parents work in designated economic sectors. Charter agreements must specify programs aligned with STAR jobs and restrict business donations for major facility improvements or technology (valued at 50%+ of per-pupil state funding). This directly affects public schools partnering to offer vocational courses, charter applicants seeking vocational programs, and students pursuing career-focused education.

SB 376, the "Learn and Earn Act," creates a new program allowing Louisiana public high schools to partner with businesses for paid, credit-bearing work-based learning opportunities. It requires school boards to establish career practicums through written agreements with businesses that ensure fair value exchange (e.g., businesses provide equivalent benefit for school resources used) and align with state-approved career pathways. The program directly affects high school students - especially in rural or underserved communities - by offering compensated job training in fields like healthcare or technology while meeting educational requirements. Key provisions mandate that these practicums operate exclusively within defined instructional boundaries, prioritize student safety/supervision, and integrate financial literacy and employability skills.