Louisiana Senate Bill SB174

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/16
• Refer: 3/3/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 4/11/16
• Engrossed: 4/13/16
• Refer: 4/14/16
• Report Pass: 4/20/16
• Enrolled: 5/3/16
• Chaptered: 5/9/16
• Passed: 5/9/16

Caption

Provides relative to the minimum ACT score for TOPS eligibility and TOPS award amounts. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

Impact

This legislation is expected to have a significant impact on the funding landscape for Louisiana's state-sponsored scholarships. By tying award amounts to performance standards and setting a minimum threshold for eligibility, the bill incentivizes students to achieve a certain level of academic readiness before they can access state financial aid. This could lead to a more competitive environment where students strive to meet or exceed the ACT benchmarks, potentially increasing the average scores of Louisiana students and promoting higher education within the state. In terms of funding, the bill also provides for future increases in award amounts as determined by legislative action, thus allowing for adjustments in the face of rising educational costs.

Summary

Senate Bill 174 focuses on the amendments to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) in Louisiana, specifically targeting the eligibility criteria for awards based on American College Test (ACT) scores and the amount of awarded scholarships. The bill stipulates that the minimum ACT score required for the Opportunity Award will be equal to or higher than the state's average, rounded to the nearest whole number from the previous year, but never less than twenty. This aims to set a clear benchmark for student eligibility and encourages higher academic achievement among high school graduates seeking higher education funding.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 174 reflects a mixture of support and concern. Proponents argue that by setting higher standards for scholarships, the state is fostering a culture of academic excellence and responsibility among students. They believe that the link between scholarship funding and academic achievement will help maintain the integrity of the TOPS program and ensure that funds are allocated to students who are genuinely prepared for the challenges of higher learning. Conversely, critics raise concerns that such stringent requirements may disenfranchise students from low-performing schools or those facing socioeconomic challenges, who may struggle to meet the raised thresholds despite having the potential to succeed in college.

Contention

The major points of contention revolve around the balance between maintaining competitive education standards and ensuring accessibility to financial aid. Some legislators worry that by raising the bar for ACT scores, there will be a decrease in the number of students eligible for TOPS, particularly among those who may already be at a disadvantage. This has sparked debates about equity in education and the role of state-sponsored scholarships in supporting a diverse student population. The discussions highlight the tensions between educational policy, state funding priorities, and the overarching goal of increasing college participation rates among all demographics in Louisiana.