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 42 Engrossed 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Wright
Abstract: Provides relative to authority of students to attend the public school of their choice,
including provisions for appealing a denial of enrollment to the State Bd. of Elementary and
Secondary Education (BESE).
Present law allows parents to enroll children in the public school of their choice, without regard to
residence, school system geographic boundaries, or attendance zones, if both of the following apply:
(1)The public school in which the student was most recently enrolled or would otherwise attend
received a school performance letter grade of "D" or "F" for the most recent school year.
(2)The school in which the student seeks to enroll received a school performance letter grade
of "A", "B", or "C" for the most recent school year and has sufficient capacity at the
appropriate grade level.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law authorizes appeals to BESE by students who are denied enrollment into their public
school of choice.
Proposed law provides that if a student chooses a school under a different governing authority, he
shall not be included in the school's performance ratings for their first two years of attendance.
Further provides that funding for such a student shall be provided in the same manner as a student
enrolled at a Type 2 charter school and the minimum foundation program (MFP) formula most
recently approved by the legislature.
Proposed law requires BESE to pursue funds to provide financial incentives and student supports
to schools enrolling students pursuant to present law.
(Amends R.S. 17:4035.1)