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)]
Talbot HB No. 779
Abstract: Adds to the definition of a "qualified student" for purposes of the rebate for donations
to school tuition organizations, any student enrolled in a public school which no longer
provides a safe environment for the student due to certain specific acts or threats of
violence.
Present law authorizes a rebate for donations a taxpayer makes to a school tuition organization
which provides scholarships to qualified students to attend a qualified school. The amount of the
rebate is equal to the actual amount of the taxpayer's donation used by a school tuition
organization to fund a scholarship to a qualified student.
Present law defines a "qualified student" as a child who is a member of a family that resides in
La. with a total household income that does not exceed an amount equal to 250% of the federal
poverty level based on the federal poverty guidelines. A qualified student shall also be a student
who is entering kindergarten for the first time, a student who attended a public school the
previous year, or a student who received a scholarship from a school tuition organization for the
previous school year.
Proposed law retains present law but adds to the definition of "qualified student" a student
enrolled in a public school which no longer provides a safe environment for the student due to
acts of violence or threats of violence, bullying, including cyberbullying, use of illegal drugs or
alcohol, arson, sexual activity, theft of personal property, and excessive disciplinary referrals and
classroom disruptions.
(Amends R.S. 47:6301(B)(3))