Official Louisiana Legislative Bureau Digest — AI analysis is being generated. The official digest is shown below in the meantime.
HB 325 Original 2026 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 2026-2027 academic year.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:5024(D))