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)]
HB 181 Original 2015 Regular Session Brown
Abstract: Restricts awards under the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) to U.S.
citizens and children of non-U.S. citizens who either are serving in or were honorably
discharged from any branch of the U.S. armed forces.
Present law (R.S. 17:3048.1) establishes TOPS and sets for various criteria for qualifying for an
award under such program. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law generally requires a student receiving TOPS to be a U.S. citizen.
Present law provides exceptions for non-U.S. citizens to be eligible for an award if they meet either
of the following:
(1)If the student is eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship and within 60 days of attaining majority
such student applies for U.S. citizenship and obtains such citizenship within one year after
the date of application.
(2)A student graduating during the 2002-2003 school year or after who is a permanent resident
and is eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Proposed law prohibits students graduating during the 2018-2019 school year and thereafter from
qualifying for present law exceptions to the citizenship requirement. Further provides a new
exception to the present law citizenship requirement for such students: a non-U.S. citizen may
qualify for a TOPS award if the student's parent is either serving in or has been honorably discharged
from any branch of the U.S. armed forces.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:3048.1(A)(1)(a)(iii)(aa) and (ee)(II); Adds R.S. 17:3048.1(A)(1)(a)(iii) (gg))