This bill amends and reenacts R.S. 17:3914(N)(1)(a) and enacts R.S. 17:3138.13, while also repealing R.S. 17:3914(C)(1)(j) and (N)(1)(c). The primary focus of the bill is to require the Louisiana Workforce Commission to conduct an annual return on investment analysis regarding industry-based credentials earned by high school students. This analysis will evaluate employment rates and wage outcomes to assess how these credentials relate to students' attainment of high-wage, high-demand jobs aligned with state workforce priorities. The Commission is mandated to submit a written report on the findings to specific legislative committees and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education by February 1 each year.

Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for public secondary schools regarding the collection of students' social security numbers. It now allows schools to collect these numbers for the purpose of evaluating state and federal programs, including the return on investment analysis. The bill emphasizes that the collected social security numbers must be shared with the state Department of Education, which will then share this information with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, ensuring confidentiality except for the specified purpose. The repeal of certain provisions aims to streamline the process and enhance the focus on data collection for workforce analysis.

Statutes affected:
HB373 Original: 17:3914(N)(1), 17:3914(C)(1)
HB373 Engrossed: 17:3914(N)(1), 17:3914(C)(1)
HB373 Enrolled: 17:3914(N)(1), 17:3914(C)(1)
HB373 Act : 17:3914(N)(1), 17:3914(C)(1)