Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB622

Introduced
3/1/24  
Introduced
3/1/24  
Refer
3/1/24  
Refer
3/1/24  
Refer
3/11/24  

Caption

Provides for compulsory school attendance and the definition of a school

Impact

By modifying the definitions associated with school attendance, HB622 seeks to clarify the educational responsibilities of parents. The impact of this bill extends to parents, guardians, and educational institutions by ensuring that compulsory attendance guidelines are more straightforward. However, the repeal of mandatory attendance reporting for home study programs may cause concerns about monitoring educational standards for students who are not enrolled in traditional schools.

Summary

House Bill 622 aims to amend Louisiana's compulsory school attendance laws and redefine what constitutes a school. This legislation ensures that parents or guardians of children aged five to eighteen are legally required to send their children to a public or nonprofit school unless certain conditions apply, such as opting out of kindergarten enrollment. The bill removes specific attendance reporting requirements for home study programs, streamlining regulations for parents choosing educational alternatives outside of the public school system.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB622 appears to be mixed. Supporters of the bill argue that it enhances parental choice in education while diminishing unnecessary regulations, allowing families greater flexibility in how their children receive education. Conversely, critics raise concerns about the potential lack of oversight on student education in home study programs and the implications of reducing accountability for educational institutions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the removal of specific attendance and reporting requirements related to home study programs. Opponents of the bill may argue that this reduces the state’s ability to ensure that all children receive an adequate education, while proponents suggest that such measures are overly burdensome for parents. This tension reflects a broader debate about the balance between state oversight of education and parental autonomy in choosing educational paths for their children.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB98

Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students not enrolled in public school and expands the ability of parents to enroll children in the public school of their choice (RR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB9

Creates and provides for a program to provide state funding for the education of students with exceptionalities not enrolled in public school (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB242

Provides relative to corporal punishment in elementary and secondary schools

LA HB182

Provides that no person shall be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of enrollment or attendance at any public or nonpublic school

LA HB315

Provides relative to administration of public schools (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

LA HB353

Provides relative to student behavior, discipline, and behavioral and mental health (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB207

Creates the School Safety Act of 2023. (gov sig) (EN +$8,969,075 GF EX See Note)

LA HB416

Provides relative to threats, attempts, or acts of violence through bomb threats by a minor child

LA HB21

Provides relative to extended leave for school bus operators and public school employees (EN LF EX See Note)

LA HB348

Provides relative to school safety

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.