Louisiana Senate Bill SB110

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/17
• Refer: 3/30/17
• Refer: 4/10/17

Caption

Provides for residency requirements for TOPS recipients and for repayment of a TOPS award under certain circumstances. (gov sig) (OR +$213,000 GF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill mandates that those who do not meet the residency requirements would need to repay 50% of the awarded amount for each full academic year or fraction thereof that they fail to prove residency. By introducing these repayment requirements, the legislation seeks to enforce accountability among award recipients and encourages them to stay in the state to bolster Louisiana's workforce. The Board of Regents will be tasked with implementing necessary rules to manage these processes, creating a framework for collecting debts and outlining circumstances under which students may be exempt from repayment.

Summary

Senate Bill 110, introduced by Senator Luneau, amends the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) to impose specific residency requirements on recipients of the award. Under the proposed law, students who graduate from high school starting from the 2017-2018 school year must demonstrate proof of residency in Louisiana for a timeframe equal to the number of academic years they received awards. This requirement is aimed at ensuring that TOPS recipients remain in the state after completing their postsecondary education or training.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB 110 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that it strengthens the integrity of the TOPS program by ensuring that financial investments in education contribute to the state's economic growth. They see it as a strategic move to retain educated individuals within Louisiana. Conversely, critics express concern over the potential burden this places on students, particularly those who may face unforeseen circumstances that prevent them from meeting residency requirements. There are worries that the legislation could deter prospective students from applying for TOPS scholarships if they fear eventual financial obligations.

Contention

One notable point of contention relates to the repayment clause, which could financially impact students who may not be able to establish residency due to legitimate reasons such as parental leave, health issues, or military service. The exceptions outlined in the bill are intended to address these concerns; however, the specifics of these exceptions and the administrative burden of proving them may remain contentious topics during discussions. As such, the balance between holding students accountable and providing necessary flexibility will be a critical aspect of the bill's implementation.