This bill amends and reenacts specific sections of Louisiana's Revised Statutes related to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), specifically focusing on the TOPS Tech and TOPS Tech Early Start programs. It introduces new eligibility requirements and establishes the responsibilities of an advisory council, which will identify programs eligible for TOPS-Tech awards. The council will also consider qualifications for programs under the M.J. Foster Promise Program when determining eligible programs.

Key changes include the deletion of references to the Board of Regents and the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council in determining program alignment with workforce priorities, replacing them with the advisory council's determinations. Additionally, the bill modifies eligibility criteria for the TOPS-Tech Early Start Award, including new assessment score requirements and the introduction of a provision for meeting technical dual enrollment course eligibility as determined by the Board of Regents. The provisions of this Act will apply to awards starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

Statutes affected:
HB161 Original: 17:5002(D)(1), 17:5081(B)(1)
HB161 Engrossed: 17:5002(D)(1), 17:5081(B)(1)
HB161 Reengrossed: 17:5002(D)(1), 17:5081(B)(1)
HB161 Enrolled: 17:5002(D)(1), 17:5081(B)(1)
HB161 Act : 17:5002(D)(1), 17:5081(B)(1)