Relative to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award eligibility, requests the Board of Regents, in consultation with the La. Student Financial Assistance Commission and others, to study issues relative to residency requirements for family members of certain military personnel
Impact
This resolution has the potential to impact state laws related to educational funding and residency qualifications for scholarship programs. If the Board of Regents finds that the current rules are not accommodating to military families, it may lead to amendments in the eligibility criteria for the TOPS award. Such changes could enhance access to financial assistance for families who could previously be excluded due to non-resident status, thereby promoting educational equity for military dependents.
Summary
House Resolution 110 urges the Louisiana Board of Regents to study the residency requirements established for students to qualify for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award, specifically regarding children of military personnel. The resolution requests assessment on whether the existing laws and policies are fair and equitable to military families who may not be Louisiana residents but are stationed in the state due to military orders. The analysis aims to compare Louisiana's residency requirements with those of other states offering merit-based educational scholarships.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding this resolution appears to be positive, particularly from advocates of military families and educational accessibility. There is an acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by military families regarding relocation and their children’s education. However, some concerns might arise regarding state funding implications and whether changes in eligibility criteria could create disparities among residents and non-residents seeking scholarships.
Contention
A notable point of contention likely revolves around the balance between providing support for military families and maintaining equitable access for all Louisiana residents. Some may argue that adjusting residency requirements could dilute the benefits available to state residents, whereas others contend that military families deserve fair treatment in scholarship opportunities, reflecting the circumstances beyond their control due to military assignments. The resolution calls for a comprehensive evaluation, thus highlighting the necessity for stakeholder input in this sensitive and impactful area of state policy.
Requests the La. Student Financial Assistance Commission, in consultation with the Board of Regents, to study the feasibility of requiring drug testing for students to qualify for a TOPS award
Requests that the Board of Regents, in collaboration with the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission, study and make recommendations relative to student financial aid
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Provides relative to initial eligibility requirements for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students Award for home school students (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Places certain residency and program of study requirements on Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award recipients and authorizes use of TOPS awards for postgraduate study in certain circumstances
Provides relative to the eligibility of certain students who graduate from certain out-of-state or out-of-country high schools to receive a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.