Louisiana House Bill HB414

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/2/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 4/5/18

Caption

Raises grade point average required to maintain eligibility for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The implications of HB 414 are significant for the landscape of educational funding and accessibility in Louisiana. Increasing the GPA requirements is intended to encourage students to maintain higher academic performance, thus fostering a more academically rigorous environment. Supporters argue that this move would ensure that scholarships are awarded to students who are not only eligible but also committed to their educational pursuits. However, it could also lead to increased pressure on students and may potentially limit access to state-funded scholarships for those struggling to meet these more stringent GPA requirements.

Summary

House Bill 414 proposes to increase the grade point average (GPA) requirements for maintaining eligibility for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award. This legislative effort aims to set higher academic standards for students who benefit from state-sponsored scholarships aimed at facilitating access to postsecondary education. Under the new requirements, students will need to achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 after completing 24 credit hours and 2.75 after completing 48 credit hours, up from the current thresholds of 2.30 and 2.50, respectively. The changes will apply to students graduating from high school beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 414 is mixed. Proponents of the bill assert that the increased GPA requirements will promote a culture of excellence among Louisiana's students and ensure the integrity of the TOPS program. They believe that academic performance is critical to the success of scholarship recipients. Conversely, critics express concern that raising the GPA may disproportionately impact students from underprivileged backgrounds who may require more support to succeed academically. This divide highlights a broader dialogue about access to education and the importance of supporting all students in their academic journeys.

Contention

Among the notable points of contention regarding HB 414 is the potential impact on students who may find it more challenging to meet the new GPA standards. Critics fear that the stricter criteria could deter some students from even applying for the TOPS Opportunity Award, particularly those who are already facing barriers in their educational paths. This tension raises questions about equity in educational access and whether the state should do more to provide support to those who need it, rather than increasing the criteria for receiving vital scholarship funds.