The bill amends R.S. 17:355(C) and (D)(1) to enhance transparency and parental access to instructional materials in public schools. It mandates that local school boards adopt rules ensuring that instructional materials are readily available for review, specifying reasonable hours for in-person access. Parents will have the right to request paper copies of materials at no charge for in-person viewing, and no fees will be imposed for online access to instructional materials. Additionally, the bill allows local school boards to develop policies for in-person viewing of academic assessments and requires them to submit these policies and any associated fee schedules to the state Department of Education.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of "instructional materials" to include various forms of content used in the school curriculum, such as books, teaching aids, and online materials. It emphasizes that no other laws or school policies should hinder a parent's ability to make copies of instructional materials on school premises using their devices. The Department of Education is tasked with reporting to legislative committees on compliance with these new requirements by March 2026, ensuring accountability and adherence to the established rules.

Statutes affected:
SB81 Original: 17:355(C)
SB81 Engrossed: 17:355(C)
SB81 Enrolled: 17:355(C)
SB81 Act : 17:355(C)