DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Carter HB No. 243
Abstract: Grants TOPS eligibility to certain students graduating with an International
Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma from a high school that is located outside La. or outside the
U.S. and that is approved by the IB Organization to issue such a diploma.
Present law provides for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) as a program of
merit scholarships for students attending certain postsecondary education institutions who meet
specific grade point average, ACT/SAT score, and core curriculum requirements and certain
other qualifications. Provides that certain students who graduate from certain high schools
outside La. or outside the U.S. are eligible for TOPS awards under alternative academic
guidelines if the student graduated from a high school which meets certain approval or
accreditation criteria or the student completed an approved home study program outside of the
U.S.
Proposed law additionally provides eligibility for TOPS awards under alternative academic
guidelines if the student graduated during the 2009-2010 school year or thereafter with an IB
Diploma from a high school located outside La. or the U.S. and approved by the IB Organization
to issue such a diploma.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:3048.1(P)(1)(a) and (V)(1)(a))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill.
1. Relative to eligibility under proposed law, changes the school year during or after
which a student shall have graduated from 2010-2011 to 2009-2010.