RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 503 (SB 470) 2016 Regular Session Morrish
Prior law provided for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) as a program
of merit scholarships for students attending certain postsecondary education institutions who
meet specific requirements. Required the legislature annually to appropriate funds sufficient
to cover the costs of TOPS awards.
Prior law provided, if the legislature appropriates insufficient money to fund all awards, for
reducing the number of students receiving awards pursuant to a procedure adopted by the
administering agency; required that the procedure provide for eliminating students based on
ACT score and the ability of families to pay tuition.
New law, instead of providing for the elimination, requires the reduction of award amounts
on a pro rata basis; also applies this reduction to stipends granted for certain awards.
Authorizes public postsecondary education institutions to charge a student the difference
between the award amount and tuition amount, unless the student is granted a tuition waiver.
New law provides that a student whose award is reduced pursuant not be required to accept
payment of his award or to enroll or maintain continuous enrollment in an eligible college
or university during the time period for which there is a funding shortfall and may defer
acceptance of his award benefits. Provides that upon the deferment, the student shall:
(1)Be eligible, upon enrollment or re-enrollment, to receive all applicable award
benefits for any remaining semester or semesters, or the equivalent thereof, of his
unused eligibility.
(2)Meet all academic and other eligibility requirements, except as otherwise provided
in new law.
(3)Exhaust all unused award eligibility within five years of his initial reduction unless
granted an exception for cause.
New law does not apply to students receiving TOPS-Tech Early Start Awards.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 14, 2016).
(Amends R.S. 17:5065(D))