The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Cheryl Serrett.
DIGEST
SB 452 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Morrish
Present law provides for high school career major curriculum and graduation requirements.
Proposed law retains present law. Additionally provides that Physics may be counted for credit as
a science course to satisfy the high school career major graduation requirements.
Present law provides for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), including providing
for award amounts, initial eligibility requirements, and continuation requirements. Present law
provides for the administration of TOPS.
Present law provides two separate core curriculum requirements, based on the type of award the
student is seeking. Proposed law retains present law but allows AP Physics I and AP Physics II to
count as individual classes in the TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors students core
curriculum. Additionally provides Physics may count in the TOPS-Tech core curriculum.
Proposed law clarifies that the administering agency shall adopt rules as provided by the
Administrative Procedure Act.
Present law provides that course equivalences shall be set by the administering agency upon prior
approval by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Proposed law amends present law to provide that BESE is consulted with on the changes but is not
required to approve the changes.
Present law provides that ACT and SAT tests taken after July 1 of the student's high school
graduation year may not be considered when determining eligibility. Proposed law allows tests taken
during July to be considered for eligibility but with penalty.
Present law provides that tax records are confidential. Present law additionally provides that certain
taxpayers' information may be shared with the office of student financial assistance to help determine
the students' eligibility for TOPS.
Proposed law retains present law. Further provides the tax information may also be used by the office
to determine past TOPS recipient employment and residency status in Louisiana.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:183.3(B)(2)(c), 5025(3)(c), 5026(A)(intro para) and (A)(3)(b), 5061, 5062(C)(intro
para), (C)(1), and (C)(4), R.S. 39:98.3(D), and R.S. 47:1508(B)(17))