The original instrument was prepared by Alan Miller. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Jeanne
Johnston.
DIGEST
Nevers (SB 126)
Present law provides that a TOPS-Tech Early Start Award may be used at a Louisiana public
postsecondary education institution for the purpose of pursuing an industry-based occupational or
vocational education credential as defined by the Board of Regents when such credential also
meets all of the following conditions:
(1)Is identified by the Occupation Forecasting Conference as a credential for an occupation
in top demand in Louisiana.
(2)Is recognized by the State Industry-Based Certification Council.
(3)Is approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and by the Board
of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges.
Proposed law expands the use of the award so that it may be used to fund any technical or
applied course leading to an Industry Based Certification, a Certificate of Applied Sciences, and
a Certificate of Technical Sciences at a Louisiana public postsecondary education institution
when such certification or certificate is approved by the Workforce Investment Council as
meeting the following requirements:
(1)Is identified by the Occupation Forecasting Conference as a credential for an occupation
in top demand in Louisiana.
(2)Is recognized by the State Industry-Based Certification Leadership Council.
Proposed law eliminates the requirement that credentials be approved by BESE and by the Board
of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges.
Present law authorizes the administering agency, in accordance with a plan approved by the
Board of Regents, to implement the provisions of present law initially on a pilot basis. However,
if implemented on a pilot basis, it is the intention of the legislature that full implementation be
achieved at the earliest time possible.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Present law provides that in order to be eligible for an initial TOPS-Tech Early Start Award, a
student shall meet each of the following conditions and comply with other applicable provisions
of present law and administering agency rules: (1)Be in the eleventh or twelfth grade in a Louisiana public school.
(2)Have prepared a five-year education and career plan, including a sequence of related
courses with a career focus as provided by present law.
(3)Have a cumulative high school grade point average on all courses attempted of not less
than 2.0 when calculated on a 4.0 scale.
(4)Have at least the minimum scores required to pass the mathematics and English portions
of the graduation exit exam established by BESE.
(5)Score at least 15 on the English subsection and 15 on the mathematics subsection of the
ACT PLAN assessment administered as part of Louisiana's Educational Planning and
Assessment System.
Proposed law eliminates the requirement that the student must have at least the minimum scores
required to pass the mathematics and English portions of the graduation exit exam established by
BESE.
Present law provides that prior to the convening of each regular legislative session, the Board of
Regents, in consultation with the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission
(LASFAC), shall provide to the governor, the House Committee on Education, and the Senate
Committee on Education a written review and analysis of TOPS-Tech Early Start awards relative
to award use by students and the benefits therefrom as well as the impact on subsequent use by
students of TOPS-Tech awards.
Proposed law requires that LASFAC, rather than the Board of Regents, issue the report currently
required by present law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:3048.5(B)(1), (D), (F) and (G))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill
1. Makes technical correction.