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 779 Original 2020 Regular Session Horton
Abstract: Creates the Northwest La. Promise Program, a scholarship program for students at
Bossier Parish Community College.
Northwest Louisiana Promise Program, generally
Proposed law creates the Northwest La. Promise Program for the purpose of providing financial
assistance to students enrolled at Bossier Parish Community College (college). Provides for program
administration by the Bd. of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges (board).
Eligibility
Proposed law provides that to be eligible for an initial program award, a student shall:
(1)Be at least 25 years old.
(2)Have earned a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
(3)Be a resident of Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, or Webster Parish.
(4)Be enrolled at the college in an eligible career and technical certificate program as
determined by the board, which shall base such determinations on which programs are
aligned with state workforce priorities in the northwest La. regional market area as
determined by the La. Workforce Commission.
Proposed law provides that to maintain eligibility for program awards, a student shall have a
cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 and maintain continuous enrollment in an eligible program.
Award payment and funding
Proposed law provides:
(1)Award payments shall be made to the college on behalf of a qualifying student for a
maximum of four semesters.
(2)The board may seek, accept, and expend funds from any source that are available for this purpose.
(3)Program implementation is subject to the availability of funds.
(4)The board shall adopt policies for proposed law implementation.
(Adds R.S. 17:1877)