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 490 Reengrossed 2023 Regular Session Lyons
Abstract: Prohibits requiring parental consent for high school seniors of at least 17 years of age to
participate in the opportunity to register to vote offered at school, requires related policies
and guidance to conform with the La. Election Code, and provides for those who may or may
not assist in the opportunity.
Present law requires public school governing authorities to provide high school seniors who are at
least 17 the opportunity to register to vote by using a school computer to fill out an electronic voter
registration application or by using the state mail voter registration application form. Proposed law
specifies that parental consent shall not be required, but requires the school governing authority to
provide notification to parents each time the opportunity is offered.
With respect to this required opportunity:
(1)Present law prohibits the involvement of any political or partisan group or organization in
the registration process. Proposed law retains present law. Proposed law further requires an
individual or entity assisting in providing the opportunity to register with the secretary of
state as provided in present law (R.S. 18:18(9)) and to submit a copy to the school and
requires the school to maintain a copy as a public record.
(2)Present law requires each public school governing authority to adopt policies therefor and
to review them at least every five years. Proposed law requires the public school governing
authority to ensure the policy conforms to the La. Election Code.
(3)Present law authorizes each public school governing authority to follow the secretary of
state's guidance in implementation. Proposed law requires the secretary of state to ensure
that his guidance conforms to the La. Election Code.
Present law (R.S. 18:18) provides that the secretary of state shall administer the laws relating to
custody of voting machines and voter registration, and for this purpose he shall specifically perform
many functions and duties including providing for the voluntary registration of individuals or entities
that conduct voter registration drives.
Proposed law further requires the secretary of state to develop guidance for public school governing
authorities providing opportunities for high school seniors to register to vote as required by present law (R.S. 17:2121). Specifies that in developing the guidance, the secretary shall conform to the
election code and shall not state or imply that parental consent is required or that any person or
organization is prohibited from assisting public school governing authorities in providing the
opportunity to register to vote, unless the person or organization or type of person or organization
is expressly prohibited by law from assisting or from being on or near a school campus.
(Amends R.S. 17:2121 and R.S. 18:18(A)(9))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill:
1. Repeal present law prohibiting the involvement of political or partisan groups in the
registration process.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Require school governing authorities to notify parents each time the opportunity to
register is offered.
2. Restore prohibition on involvement of political or partisan groups in the registration
process.
3. Remove proposed prohibition on a candidate for elected public office from involvement
in the registration process.
4. Remove explicit authorization for a public school governing authority to allow any
nonpartisan group or organization to assist in providing the opportunity to register to vote
to high school seniors.
5. Require those providing assistance to register with the secretary of state and to submit
a copy of the registration to the school and require the school to maintain it as a public
record.