This bill amends existing legislation regarding the credit for donations to school tuition organizations in Louisiana. Key changes include the distribution of scholarship payments, which will now occur on a quarterly basis instead of in specific months, and the requirement that payments be made directly to the parent of a qualified student, who must approve the payment for deposit into the school’s account. Additionally, if a scholarship recipient is no longer enrolled in a qualified school, the school must promptly notify the relevant tuition organization and the Department of Education to halt further payments.

The bill also modifies the testing requirements for qualified schools, allowing them to administer either state-mandated tests or approved nationally norm-referenced assessments. Furthermore, it clarifies that qualified students may receive multiple scholarships from different organizations, provided the total does not exceed their actual tuition and fees. The Department of Education is tasked with verifying that scholarship amounts do not surpass specified limits based on the student's grade level. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the scholarship process and ensure compliance with funding limits while enhancing parental involvement in the financial aspects of their children's education.

Statutes affected:
SB27 Original: 47:6301(B)(1)
SB27 Engrossed: 47:6301(B)(1)
SB27 Reengrossed: 47:6301(B)(1)
SB27 Enrolled: 47:6301(B)(1)