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 739 Original 2015 Regular Session James
Abstract: Establishes the Louisiana Education and Workforce Opportunity Grant Program and
provides for implementation of the program.
Proposed law establishes the Louisiana Education and Workforce Opportunity Grant Program to be
administered by the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission, through the office of
student financial assistance. Establishes a higher education grant program in order to promote access
to higher education among students who are determined to be in financial need through eligibility
criteria established by the Board of Regents.
Proposed law establishes the Education and Workforce Opportunity Grant Council ("council")
comprised of the following members:
(1)The commission of higher education, or his designee.
(2)The executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, or his designee.
(3)The secretary of the Department of Economic Development, or his designee.
Proposed law authorizes the council to establish the criteria for initial and continuing eligibility for
the program. Proposed law further authorizes the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance
Commission to adopt rules necessary to implement the program in accordance with the A.P.A.
Proposed law provides for an annual program cap of $25M. Requires the following program cap
phase-in:
(1)FY17 - $2M
(2)FY18 - $8M
(3)FY19 - $18M
(4)FY20 - $22M
(5)FY21 - $25M
Effective upon passage of (HLS 726) (Adds R.S. 17:3050.5-3050.10)