Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB546

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

Caption

Provides relative to French language instruction in public schools (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

Impact

This legislation is poised to affect educational standards throughout Louisiana, reinforcing the state's commitment to preserving its French cultural heritage. By encouraging the teaching of the French language, the bill seeks to foster linguistic diversity and allow students to engage more deeply with Louisiana's unique cultural history. The proposed law also stipulates that school boards may seek exemption from these requirements based on financial constraints, but this exemption cannot be based solely on their offering of other foreign languages.

Summary

House Bill 546, introduced by Representative Amedee, mandates that public schools in Louisiana provide a comprehensive French language education spanning three years in elementary, middle, and high schools. This bill aims to enhance the teaching of the French language and the culture associated with it across all levels of public education, ensuring students have a robust understanding of French language alongside their academic curriculum. The starting implementation of this requirement is set for the 2028-2029 school year, allowing schools time to adjust their curricula and resources accordingly.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 546 indicate a generally positive sentiment among proponents, who advocate for the cultural significance of the French language in Louisiana. Supporters believe this initiative will bolster state identity and foster inclusivity among different linguistic communities. However, there may also be concerns from some stakeholders regarding the implementation's feasibility in financially constrained districts, which could impact the bill's reception and execution across varying school jurisdictions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the financial implications of maintaining additional language instruction. While the bill provides a framework for exemption based on financial infeasibility, critics may argue that such provisions could create disparities in educational opportunities. Additionally, discussions may focus on whether the emphasis on French language should come at the expense of other educational priorities, highlighting the balance of resource allocation within public schools.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB315

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

LA HB118

Requires one semester of instruction in personal financial management as a prerequisite to high school graduation (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)

LA HB68

Authorizes public high schools to offer a course of instruction in the history and literature of the Bible (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

LA HB289

Provides relative to organ donation instruction in public high schools

LA HB414

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to various sources of state and local revenue (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)

LA SCR2

Provides for legislative approval of the MFP formula for the 2023-2024 school year. (7/1/23) (EG +$258,512,590 GF EX See Note)

LA SB197

Provides relative to teacher certification. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)

LA SB177

Provides relative to required accelerated instruction for certain students. (8/1/23) (EN INCREASE FF EX See Note)

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 HB353

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

Similar Bills

LA HB287

Provides relative to textbooks and other instructional materials (EN DECREASE SG EX See Note)

LA HB713

Provides relative to reviews conducted of textbooks and other instructional materials

LA HB116

Provides relative to textbooks and other instructional materials for elementary and secondary schools (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

LA SR133

Requests the state Department of Education to recreate the Louisiana Early Literacy Commission to study and make recommendations relative to improving reading proficiency for certain students.

LA SB462

Constitutional amendment to provide relative to the use of monies in the Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund. (2/3 CA13s1(A))

LA HCR69

Requests establishment of credentials for commercial driver's license classroom training

LA HB580

Provides relative to textbooks and other instructional materials

LA SB637

Provides for the use of monies in the Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund. (See Act)