The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Cheryl Serrett.
DIGEST
SB 203 Original 2019 Regular Session Walsworth
Present law provides for the Grant Opportunity for Youth ChalleNGe Skills Training Program
(GO-Youth ChalleNGe) for students who graduate from the La. National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe
Program with a general education diploma.
Proposed law extends eligibility to GO-Youth ChalleNGe students who graduate from the La.
National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe Program with a BESE-issued diploma.
Present law requires a student to meet certain other eligibility requirements, including enrolling in
an eligible postsecondary institution not later than the semester, excluding summer semesters or
sessions, immediately following the first anniversary of the date the student graduated from the La.
National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe Program.
Proposed law provides that, effective the 2020-2021 award year and thereafter, the administering
agency may, by rule, provide for an earlier or later initial enrollment date.
Present law provides for the program to be administered by the La. Student Financial Assistance
Commission, and authorizes the commission to prescribe appropriate rules and regulations for the
program.
Proposed law clarifies that the administering agency is the Board of Regents, through the office of
student financial assistance.
Present law provides for the TOPS-Tech award for students who meet certain curriculum, ACT
score, and GPA criteria.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that to be eligible to receive a TOPS-Tech award a student must enroll in an
eligible postsecondary institution not later than the semester, excluding summer semesters or
sessions, immediately following the first anniversary of the date the student graduated from high
school.
Proposed law retains present law but provides that, effective the 2020-2021 award year and
thereafter, the administering agency may, by rule, provide for an earlier or later initial enrollment
date.
Effective August 1, 2019. (Amends R.S. 17:3050.2(A)(3)(b), 3050.3 and 5027(A)(1))