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: Provides that school boards are authorized but not required to pay salary supplements
to otherwise eligible school teachers, counselors, and psychologists earning national
certification on or after July 1, 2013.
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
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 state Dept. of
Education from appropriated funds. 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 retains present law but authorizes an employing school board to pay the salary
supplement to an otherwise eligible person awarded the initial applicable certificate or credential
on or after July 1, 2013.
(Amends R.S. 17:421.6(C), 421.8(A), and 421.9(G))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill.
1. Instead of removing the July 1, 2013, deadline by which school teachers, counselors,
and psychologists must have earned national certification in order to qualify for salary
supplements, authorizes school boards to pay salary supplements to those earning national certification on or after this date.