RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 101 (HB 181) 2015 Regular Session Brown
Existing law provides for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), a program
of merit scholarships for students attending certain postsecondary education institutions who
meet specific academic criteria and other requirements, one of which is that a student be a
U.S. citizen; however, provides for exceptions by deeming that the following students who
are not U.S. citizens satisfy the citizenship requirement:
(1)Those who are eligible to apply for citizenship, do so within 60 days of turning 18,
and obtain it within one year of the application date.
(2)Permanent residents (as defined by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service)
who are eligible to apply for citizenship.
New law adds that the following non-citizen students also satisfy the existing law citizenship
requirement: students who have a non-citizen parent who is serving or has been honorably
discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Applicable to students who graduate from high
school in the 2018-19 school year and thereafter.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 19, 2015). See §§7-10 of Act No. 403, which
provide that, effective Aug. 1, 2015, the substance of the provisions of new law as provided
in R.S. 17:3048.1(A)(1)(a)(iii)(gg)) shall cease to be effective and shall become effective as
provided in R.S. 17:5022.
(Adds R.S. 17:3048.1(A)(1)(a)(iii)(gg))