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 184 Original 2017 Regular Session Abraham
Abstract: Creates the La. Jobs Now Fund and directs the treasury to annually transfer $34 million
to the fund.
Proposed law creates the La. Jobs Now Fund (the fund) for the purpose of funding degree and
certificate production in high-demand fields through programs offered by La.'s public postsecondary
education institutions to meet the state's current and future workforce needs.
The state treasurer is required to annually transfer $34 million from the state general fund into the
fund.
Proposed law requires monies in the fund shall be appropriated to the postsecondary education
management boards to be distributed to and used by postsecondary education institutions towards
degree production at public four-year universities in science, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) programs and towards degree and certificate production at public two-year, community, and
technical colleges in fields required for four-star or five-star jobs, as defined by the La. Workforce
Commission's La. Star Jobs program or its successors.
Proposed law provides for the methodology for distribution of funds as follows:
(1)50% percent to public four-year universities based on each institution's prior year degree
production in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.
(2)50% to public two-year, community, and technical colleges based on each institution's prior
year degree and certificate production in fields required for four-star or five-star jobs, as
defined by the La. Workforce Commission's La. Star Jobs program or its successors.
Proposed law requires the postsecondary education management boards to provide annual reporting
to certain legislative committees.
Effective July 1, 2017.
(Adds R.S. 17:3138.7)