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)]
Tim Burns HB No. 613
Abstract: Requires the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and adopt
rules and regulations providing for parental choice relative to state standardized testing
for public school students.
Present law provides generally for the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the State Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and requires BESE to provide for a school and
district accountability system for schools and school districts based on student achievement and
minimum standards for the approval of schools. Also provides for the La. Competency-Based
Education Program, including the implementation of the La. Educational Assessment Program
(LEAP), and requires certain tests to be administered to students at various grade levels and
requires students to demonstrate proficiency in order to advance to specified grade levels.
Proposed law adds a requirement that BESE develop and adopt rules and regulations in
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act providing for parental choice relative to state
standardized testing for students enrolled in public schools. Further requires that such rules and
regulations be in accordance with present law relative to the accountability system, the La.
Competency-Based Education Program (including LEAP), and all other applicable state and
federal laws, rules, and regulations.
(Adds R.S. 17:7(33))