House Bill No. by Representative Wilder proposes amendments to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) that aim to lower the ACT score requirements for students who complete approved home study programs. Specifically, the bill removes the stipulation that these students must achieve a higher ACT score than their peers graduating from approved high schools to qualify for initial TOPS awards. The amendments to R.S. 17:5029(B)(2) and (3) include the insertion of new eligibility criteria that align home study program students with the same minimum ACT score requirements as those for traditional high school graduates, effective for students qualifying for the 2025-2026 award year and beyond.

The bill also modifies existing language regarding the ACT score thresholds for different award categories. It deletes the previous requirement that home study students must score at least two points higher for TOPS-Tech or Opportunity Awards and one point higher for Performance or Honors Awards. Instead, it establishes that these students will now be subject to the same minimum ACT scores as outlined in current law: 17 for TOPS-Tech, 20 for Opportunity, 23 for Performance, and 27 for Honors. This change is intended to create a more equitable opportunity for students who pursue home study programs to access merit-based scholarships.

Statutes affected:
HB378 Original: 17:5029(B)(2)