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 583 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Amedee
Abstract: Provides for a parental petition process for the creation of foreign language immersion
programs for students in grades prekindergarten through 12.
Present law (R.S. 17:273.3) authorizes local public school boards to establish foreign language
immersion programs. Requires a school board to establish such a program if requested in writing
by the parents of at least 25 students seeking enrollment in kindergarten or at least 25 students
seeking enrollment in first grade if certain criteria are met. Requires that such program be continued
as long as at least 20 students remain enrolled in the program.
Proposed law retains present law and further requires that if the program ceases despite having 20
students enrolled, the school board shall remit minimum foundation program foreign language
teacher salary supplement funds to the state Dept. of Education.
Proposed law authorizes parents who submit requests to local school boards to make appeals to the
State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Proposed law authorizes parents, if school boards do not fulfill the requirements of present law to
establish a program, to request approval as a charter school or request École Pointe-au-Chien,
L'Academie de la Louisiane, or a Type 2 charter school with an immersion program open a new
campus in an area that can serve their children.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:273.3(C)(2)(a)(intro. para,) and (v), (b), (d), and (e); Adds R.S. 17:273.3(C)(2)(g))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Remove name change of the International School in Lafayette to L'Académie de la
Louisiane.
2. Remove narrowing scope of school from a world language immersion school to only
French language.
3. Remove provision of governance of the school by a 16-member board of directors. 4. Remove expansion of École Pointe-au-Chien from a school for students in grades pre-K
through 4 to also include grade 5.
5. Remove authorization for École Pointe-au-Chien campus locations outside of Terrebonne
Parish.