The bill amends the M.J. Foster Promise Program's eligibility requirements by lowering the minimum age for applicants seeking program awards. Previously, applicants were required to be at least twenty-one years old, but the new provisions will phase in a lower age requirement over the next few years. Specifically, applicants must be at least twenty years old in the 2024-2025 award year, nineteen in the 2025-2026 award year, eighteen in the 2026-2027 award year, and seventeen in the 2027-2028 award year and thereafter.

This change aims to make the program more accessible to younger individuals, thereby encouraging participation in educational opportunities. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or, if not signed, after the designated period for bills to become law without signature, as outlined in the Louisiana Constitution.

Statutes affected:
HB728 Original: 17:2(A)(1), 17:2(A)(8)
HB728 Engrossed: 17:2(A)(1), 17:2(A)(8)
HB728 Enrolled: 17:2(A)(1)
HB728 Act 633: 17:2(A)(1)