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)]
Carter HB No. 407
Abstract: Provides eligibility criteria for admission or readmission to a public school and
prohibits a school board from denying admission or readmission based on certain
characteristics.
Present law prohibits a public school board from denying admission or readmission to school to
any student of suitable age who resides within the geographic boundaries of the school system
unless such student is legally excluded from attending school.
Proposed law requires a public school board to grant admission or readmission to school to any
person who meets all of the following criteria:
(1)Resides within the geographic boundaries of the school system.
(2)Meets the eligibility requirements for school entrance pursuant to present law, which
requires that a child be six by Sept. 30 of the calendar year in which the school year
begins in order to enter the first grade of any public school.
(3)Is 19 or younger on Sept. 30 of the calendar year in which the school year begins or is 20
on Sept 30 and has sufficient credit to graduate within a year.
(4)Has not received a high school diploma or its equivalent.
(5)Is otherwise eligible for enrollment in a public school pursuant to present law and the
policies of the local public school board and the State Board of Elementary and
Secondary Education (BESE).
Proposed law prohibits school boards from denying admission or readmission to a person if he:
(1)Withdrew from school.
(2)Is pregnant.
(3)Is a parent.
(4)Is married. Proposed law requires that the admission or readmission of a person who is 20 be limited to
grade 12.
Proposed law further provides that the admission or readmission of any person who has been
suspended or expelled from a La. public school is subject to all laws and policies applicable to
such disciplinary actions and that the admission or readmission of a person with an
exceptionality is subject to federal and state law governing the age of eligibility for services for
students with exceptionalities.
(Amends R.S. 17:221(B)) Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill.
1. Adds provision relative to applicability of federal and state law to the admission
or readmission of a person with an exceptionality.
2. Adds the course credit condition on the requirement for admission of 20 year olds.