House Bill No. by Representative Hughes aims to amend existing laws regarding computer science education as a requirement for high school graduation in Louisiana. The bill modifies the eligibility criteria for students graduating during or after the 2027-2028 school year but not later than the 2029-2030 school year, requiring them to complete a core curriculum that includes a one-credit computer science course. Additionally, it aligns the requirements for TOPS and TOPS-Tech awards with these new graduation criteria, specifying that students graduating in the 2030-2031 school year and thereafter must also complete a computer science course as part of their core curriculum.

The bill also repeals certain sections of Act No. 211 from the 2024 Regular Session and adjusts the implementation timeline for computer science instruction across different educational levels. Specifically, it establishes that public high schools must provide computer science instruction starting with the 2026-2027 school year, and students entering the ninth grade during the 2027-2028 school year will be required to complete a computer science course for graduation. Overall, the bill emphasizes the importance of computer science education in preparing students for future academic and career opportunities.

Statutes affected:
HB372 Original: 17:7, 17:5026(F)