House Bill No. 584 proposes revisions to the academic eligibility requirements for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS-Tech) award in Louisiana. The bill introduces a new provision under R.S. 17:5024(D), allowing students to qualify for the TOPS-Tech award by meeting at least two of three criteria: achieving a minimum grade point average on the core curriculum, attaining a minimum ACT score, or successfully completing at least nine credit hours of early college credit through dual enrollment courses or other approved skills and learning measures. This change aims to expand access to the award by recognizing early college achievements alongside traditional academic metrics.

The new eligibility criteria will apply to students enrolling as first-time freshmen in eligible colleges or universities starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The bill retains the existing requirement for home study students to achieve a minimum ACT score of 19. Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance the TOPS-Tech program by incorporating early college credit as a valid pathway for students to qualify for financial assistance in their post-secondary education.