The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jeanne C. Johnston.
DIGEST
Morrish (SB 190)
Present law provides as follows relative to the dollar amount awarded to Taylor Opportunity
Program for Students (TOPS) recipients of Opportunity, Performance, or Honors awards:
(1)For a recipient who attends a La. public college or university to pursue an academic
undergraduate degree or skill or occupational training, the amount is an amount
determined by the La. Student Financial Assistance Commission (LASFAC) to equal the
tuition charged by the college or university attended.
(2)For a recipient who attends an eligible state nonpublic college or university, the amount is
an amount determined by LASFAC to equal the weighted average amount of amounts
paid for students attending public colleges and universities that offer academic
undergraduate degrees at the baccalaureate level or an amount determined by LASFAC to
equal the weighted average of amounts paid for students attending public colleges and
universities who are enrolled in permitted skill or occupational training.
(3)For a recipient who is eligible to use the award at an out-of-state nonpublic college or
university to pursue an academic undergraduate degree, the amount is an amount
determined by LASFAC to equal the weighted average of amounts paid for students
attending La. public colleges and universities that offer academic undergraduate degrees.
(4)For a student who is the recipient of an Opportunity, Performance, or Honors award who
enrolls in a cosmetology school registered by the La. State Board of Cosmetology or a
proprietary school licensed by the Board of Regents, the amount is equal to the amount
determined by LASFAC to equal the weighted average of amounts for students attending
public colleges and universities who are enrolled in the permitted skill or occupational
training.
(5)Provides an additional $200 per semester, or $400 per academic year, to a recipient of a
Performance Award, and provides an additional $400 per semester, or $800 per academic
year, to a recipient of an Honors Award.
Relative to the dollar amount of a TOPS-Tech Award, present law provides as follows:
(1)For a recipient who attends an eligible La. public college or university that does not offer
an academic undergraduate degree at the baccalaureate level or higher to pursue permitted
skill or occupational training, the amount equals the actual cost of tuition.
(2)For a recipient who attends any other eligible postsecondary education institution, the amount equals the amount determined by LASFAC to equal the weighted average of
amounts paid for students attending public institutions who are enrolled in the permitted
skill or occupational training.
Proposed law provides that, beginning with the 2014-2015 award year:
(1)The amount awarded by the state to a student who is the recipient of any TOPS award
shall not exceed an amount equal to the award amount paid for the 2013-2014 award
year, plus an amount equal to ten percent of the 2013-2014 award amount.
(2)Retains payment of the supplemental amounts established in present law for a recipient of
a Performance or Honors award.
Proposed law provides that, beginning with the 2015-2016 award year, the administering agency
may consider any adjustments necessary to align TOPS award amounts with changes in the
Consumer Price Index and recommend any such adjustments to the legislature for approval
during legislative sessions held in odd-numbered years.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:3048.1(Y))