HLS 14RS-431 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 701
BY REPRESENTATIVE EDWARDS
SCHOOLS/CHOICE: Provides relative to student eligibility for vouchers
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 17:4013(2)(b) and 4015(3)(b), relative to the Student2
Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program; to provide with respect to3
requirements for student eligibility in the voucher program; to provide with respect4
to the administration of the voucher program; and to provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 17:4013(2)(b) and 4015(3)(b) are hereby amended and reenacted to7
read as follows: 8
§4013. Definitions9
As used in this Chapter, unless otherwise clearly indicated, the following10
terms mean:11
* * *12
(2) "Eligible student" means a student who resides in Louisiana, is a member13
of a family with a total income that does not exceed two hundred fifty percent of the14
current federal poverty guidelines as established by the federal office of management15
and budget, and who meets any of the following criteria:16
* * *17
(b) Was enrolled in a public school in Louisiana on October first and on18
February first of the most recent school year pursuant to the definition of student19 HLS 14RS-431 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 701
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membership established by the state board for purposes of the minimum foundation1
program formula, and such school received a letter grade of "C", "D", or "F" or any2
variation thereof, for the most recent year pursuant to the school and district3
accountability system.4
* * *5
§4015. Program administration6
In administering the program pursuant to this Chapter, the department shall:7
* * *8
(3)9
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(b) In the event If there are more eligible students who submit applications11
than there are available seats at participating schools for any grade, the department12
shall conduct a random selection process to award scholarships that provides each13
eligible student an equal opportunity for selection for a scholarship. Only after each14
student who attended or otherwise would be attending a public school that received15
a letter grade of "D" or "F" or any variation thereof has been placed at a participating16
school which the parent or legal guardian indicated as a choice on the eligible17
student's application shall a student who attended a public school that received a18
letter grade of "C" or any variation thereof be entered into the random selection19
process. At such time, each student who attended or otherwise would be attending20
a public school that received a letter grade of "C" or any variation thereof shall be21
provided an equal opportunity for selection into that particular participating school.22
However, the department may give preference to the following:23
(i) Siblings of students already enrolled in the participating school.24
(ii) Students enrolled in the Nonpublic School Early Childhood Development25
Program at the participating school.26
(iii) Participating students transferring from an ineligible school pursuant to27
this Section.28 HLS 14RS-431 ORIGINAL
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(iv) Students residing in the parishes as indicated pursuant to the notice of1
intent, if applicable.2
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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)]
Edwards HB No. 701
Abstract: Removes voucher eligibility of students at "C" schools.
Present law establishes a voucher program known as the Student Scholarships for
Educational Excellence Program.
Present law provides that, to be eligible, a student shall reside in La., shall be a member of
a family with a total income that does not exceed 250% of the current federal poverty
guidelines. Further provides that a student who was enrolled in a public school in La. during
the most recent school year, and such school received a letter grade of "C", "D", or "F" or
any variation thereof, for the most recent year pursuant to the school and district
accountability system, is eligible for the voucher program. Proposed law removes students
who were enrolled in public schools that received a letter grade of "C" from eligibility for
the voucher program; otherwise retains present law.
Present law provides that, if there are more eligible students who submit applications than
there are available seats at participating schools for any grade, the department shall conduct
a random selection process to award scholarships. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law further provides that only after each student who attended or otherwise would
be attending a public school that received a letter grade of "D" or "F" has been placed at a
participating school shall a student who attended a public school that received a letter grade
of "C" be entered into the random selection process. Proposed law removes provisions for
students who attended a public school that received a letter grade of "C" from participation
in the random selection process; otherwise retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 17:4013(2)(b) and 4015(3)(b))