House Bill No. HLS 23RS-341 introduces the Sunshine Scholarship Program in Louisiana, aimed at enhancing school choice by providing state funding for students not enrolled in public schools. The bill amends existing laws to eliminate conditions related to school performance that previously limited parental choice in school enrollment. It establishes a framework for the program's administration, including eligibility criteria for students, schools, and service providers, as well as guidelines for fund allocation and usage. The bill also requires the state Department of Education to report annually to the legislature on the program's implementation and effectiveness.

Key features of the bill include the creation of a universal education freedom account program, allowing parents to allocate state funds toward qualified education expenses for their children in grades K-12. The bill specifies eligibility criteria, management of account funds, and parental responsibilities while ensuring that students with exceptionalities receive appropriate services. It mandates annual testing for participating students and requires a study on public school participation feasibility. Notably, the bill modifies existing public school choice laws by removing conditions based on school performance letter grades, while still requiring sufficient capacity at receiving schools. Additionally, it mandates that public school governing authorities inform parents of all school letter grades, enhancing transparency in the enrollment process.

Statutes affected:
HB98 Original: 17:236(A), 17:1(A), 17:1(C)(2)
HB98 Engrossed: 17:236(A), 17:1(A), 17:1(C)(2)
HB98 Reengrossed: 17:236(A), 17:1(A), 17:1(C)(2)
HB98 Re-Reengrossed: 17:236(A), 17:1(A)