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)]
Greene HB No. 612
Abstract: Permits use of TOPS awards to pursue a postgraduate academic degree at eligible La.
institutions by otherwise qualified students who enroll as first-time students in and
graduate from out-of-state colleges or universities.
Proposed law, relative to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), adds that
notwithstanding present law to the contrary, an otherwise qualified student who meets each of the
following conditions and who first enrolls as a full-time student in an out-of-state college or
university and remains in and graduates from an out-of-state college or university may use the
program award to pursue a postgraduate academic degree at an eligible institution if the student
continues to meet all academic and other requirements for continued receipt of the award as an
undergraduate except as such requirements are modified by the administering agency to apply to
postgraduate study:
(1)The student meets the initial eligibility requirements for an Opportunity, Performance, or
Honors award.
(2)The student graduated from an out-of-state college or university accredited by a regional
accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
(3)While enrolled in such an out-of-state college or university, the student met all
requirements that would have been applicable to such student for continuation of the
initial award if the student had enrolled in an eligible La. college or university.
(4)The student graduated from high school during the 2008-2009 school year or thereafter.
Provides that the amount of the tuition award shall not exceed the amounts determined by the
administering agency to equal the tuition charged for the postgraduate study or for undergraduate
full-time enrollment charged by the highest cost public college university in the state, whichever
is less. Permits student to receive the award for the number of semesters authorized by present
law (no more than eight semesters or its equivalent), as reduced pursuant to present law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:3048.1(Y))