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)]
Foil HB No. 116
Abstract: Provides relative to student eligibility criteria for participation in a voucher program
for certain students with exceptionalities and repeals provision for sunset of the program.
Present law establishes a voucher program known as the School Choice Program for Certain
Students with Exceptionalities. Further provides that the purpose of the program is to provide
certain students with exceptionalities the opportunity to attend schools of their parents' choosing
that provide educational services that specifically address the needs of such students. Present law
provides for the establishment of the program in each parish having a population in excess of
190,000 persons.
Present law provides for student eligibility criteria for participation in the program. Requires that
the student be evaluated by a local education agency, be determined to be in need of services for
autism, a mental disability, emotional disturbance, developmental delay, other health impairment,
specific learning disability, or traumatic brain injury, and have an Individual Education Plan or a
services plan in accordance with Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 300.37.
Proposed law adds a plan created by the nonpublic school that the student will attend that clearly
identifies the services provided by the nonpublic school and how those services adequately
address the student's needs as an alternative to the plans required by present law; otherwise
retains present law.
Present law (Section 2 of Act 424 of 2012 R.S.) terminates certain provisions of present law
providing for the program, including provision establishing the program at the end of the 2014-
2015 school year. Proposed law repeals this termination.
(Amends R.S. 17:4031(B)(2)(a); Repeals Section 2 of Act 424 of the 2012 R.S.)