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)]
Jones HB No. 540
Abstract: Removes a deadline for school teachers, counselors, and psychologists to receive
professional credentials in order to qualify for a stipend.
Present law relative to school teachers, counselors, and psychologists who have appropriate
credentials from the state of La. and a national board, provides for an annual salary supplement,
more specifically as follows:
(1)Teachers with a certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards are eligible for an annual amount not less than $5,000.
(2)School counselors with a National Certified School Counselor credential issued by the
National Board for Certified Counselors are eligible for an annual amount of $5,000.
(3)School psychologists with a National Certified School Psychologist credential issued by
the National School Psychology Certification Board are eligible for an annual amount not
to exceed $5,000.
Present law provides that all such salary supplements are subject to appropriation of funds for the
purpose and provides for reimbursement of the appropriate school board by the Dept. of
Education from appropriated funds.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires initial receipt of the applicable certificate or credential by July 1, 2013, for
any individual to be eligible for the salary supplement. Proposed law repeals present law.
(Amends R.S. 17:421.8(A); Repeals R.S. 17:421.6(C) and 421.9(G))