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 167 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Cox
Abstract: Provides for a tuition and fee waiver for disabled veterans.
Proposed law provides that a disabled veteran who does not qualify for the 100% eligibility tier
under federal law relative to postsecondary education benefits shall receive an exemption in an
amount equal to the remaining tuition and fees owed to the public postsecondary education
institution attended after the application of federal benefits. Defines "disabled veteran" as an
individual who has a service-connected disability as determined by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans
Affairs and who is a resident of La.
Present law provides for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), a program of merit
scholarships awarded to students attending certain postsecondary education institutions who meet
certain academic and other qualifications. Provides that the award amount for a given institution is
equal to the amount of the tuition charged by that institution during the 2016-17 academic year.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides for a tuition waiver program for certain individuals serving in the La. National
Guard. Provides that in lieu of the tuition payment provided by TOPS, such an individual receives
his tuition exemption through the National Guard program but also receives stipends through TOPS
for books and other educational expenses, the amount of which is dependent on the TOPS award
level for which he qualifies. Proposed law also applies these parameters to the disabled veterans
receiving the proposed law tuition waiver.
(Adds R.S. 17:1688 and 5002(H))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Apply proposed law to all veterans with a service-related disability rather than only those
with a disability classification of 100%.