The bill amends existing laws regarding the credit for donations to school tuition organizations in Louisiana, specifically addressing scholarship limits, payment distribution, and testing requirements for qualified schools. Key changes include the requirement for scholarship payments to be distributed on a quarterly basis rather than in specific months, with payments made directly to parents for deposit into the school’s account. Additionally, parents must approve these payments, and if made by check, they may endorse it electronically. The bill also clarifies that parents cannot designate anyone associated with the school to endorse the scholarship checks.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the definition of a "qualified school" and the testing requirements for students receiving scholarships. It allows qualified students to receive additional scholarships or financial assistance, with the stipulation that the total amount from all sources cannot exceed the actual tuition and fees at the qualified school. The Department of Education is tasked with verifying that scholarship amounts do not exceed specified limits based on the student's grade level. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the scholarship process while ensuring compliance with funding limits and testing standards.

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)
SB27 Act 403: 47:6301(B)(1)