The original instrument was prepared by Cheryl M. Serrett. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Cathy
Wells.
DIGEST
SB 452 Re-Reengrossed 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 first of the student's high school
graduation year may not be considered when determining eligibility. Proposed law allows tests taken
after the national April testing date in the year of the applicant's high school graduation provided
that:
(1) The administering agency determines that the applicant was prevented from taking the test
on or prior to the April testing date of the year of the applicant's graduation due to
circumstances beyond the immediate control of the student which were attributable to the
administration of the test.
(2) The applicant's qualifying score is obtained on an authorized testing date prior to August first
of the year of the applicant's graduation.
Present law provides that when granting an award to an applicant whose qualifying test score is considered by the agency pursuant to present law, the agency shall reduce the time period of
eligibility for the award by one semester or an equivalent number of units at an eligible institution
which operates on a schedule based on units other than semesters. Proposed law provides that when
granting an award to an applicant pursuant to proposed law, the agency shall not reduce the time
period of eligibility.
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) and (C)(1), R.S. 39:98.3(D), and R.S. 47:1508(B)(17), adds R.S. 17:5062(C)(5))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the engrossed bill
1. Authorizes that ACT and SAT tests taken after the national April testing date may
be considered when determining eligibility provided that the applicant was prevented
from taking the test on or prior to April due to circumstances beyond the immediate
control of the student and that the applicant's qualifying score is obtained prior to
August first.
2. Provides that when granting an award to an applicant pursuant to proposed law the
agency shall not reduce the time period of eligibility.
Senate Floor Amendments to reengrossed bill
1. Makes technical corrections.