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 70 Engrossed 2025 Regular Session Brass
Abstract: Expands eligibility criteria for a TOPS-Tech award to include the attainment of early
college credit in high school through completion of dual enrollment courses or other
approved skills and learning measures.
Present law provides for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), a merit scholarship
program for students who meet certain academic criteria in high school and other requirements.
Provides for four award levels, including TOPS-Tech, for which academic initial eligibility criteria
include both of the following:
(1)GPA of at least 2.5 on the specific TOPS-Tech high school core curriculum provided in
present law.
(2)ACT score of at least 17 or silver on WorkKeys.
Proposed law adds a third academic criterion: at least nine credit hours of early college credit
attained through dual enrollment courses or equivalent validated skills and learning measures as
approved by the Statewide Articulation and Transfer Council. Provides that a student qualifies for
a TOPS-Tech award if he meets at least two of the three requirements provided in present law and
proposed law. Applicable to students enrolling in college as first-time freshmen beginning with the
2025-2026 academic year.
Present law provides that for home study students, the minimum ACT score is 19; proposed law
retains present law.
(Adds R.S. 17:5024(D))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Include a reference to the present law provision that requires a minimum ACT score of
19 for graduates of approved home study programs for TOPS-Tech qualification.