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))