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 437 Original 2016 Regular Session Ivey
Abstract: Raises minimum grade point average requirements for maintaining eligibility for a Taylor
Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award.
Present law provides for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) as a program of merit
scholarships for students attending certain postsecondary education institutions who meet specific
initial eligibility requirements, including academic requirements pertaining to grade point average
(GPA), ACT score, and core curricula. Also provides academic requirements for maintaining
eligibility once enrolled in college, including maintaining full-time status and a minimum cumulative
GPA.
For students qualifying for an Opportunity Award, present law requires a minimum cumulative GPA
of 2.30 after 24 credit hours and 2.50 after 48 credit hours. Proposed law increases these minimum
GPA requirements from 2.30 to 2.50 and from 2.50 to 2.75, respectively. Proposed law is applicable
to students graduating from high school during or after the 2019-2020 school year.
For students qualifying for a Performance or Honors Award, present law requires a minimum
cumulative GPA of 3.00 at the end of each academic year. For students qualifying for a TOPS-Tech
Award, present law requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50. Proposed law retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 17:5041(3); Adds R.S. 17:5041.1)