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 137 Original 2016 Regular Session Smith
Abstract: Prohibits, for the 2016-2017 school year and thereafter, the state Dept. of Education from
awarding first-time vouchers to students.
Present law establishes a voucher program known as the Student Scholarships for Educational
Excellence Program. Provides for student and school eligibility requirements, funding and payment
procedures, program administration, and testing and reporting requirements. Proposed law prohibits
the state Dept. of Education from awarding a scholarship to a student unless he has received one
previously and provides that a scholarship awarded by the department to a student who would
otherwise be a first-time scholarship recipient for the 2016-2017 school year is null and void.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:4026)