House Bill No. 558, introduced by Representative Davis, amends the eligibility requirements for the M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides financial assistance to students attending two-year public postsecondary institutions or proprietary schools. The bill specifically addresses the criminal history criteria for applicants. Under the proposed law, individuals with certain convictions will now be eligible for the program, provided their convictions do not include specific serious offenses. The bill retains the existing prohibition against eligibility for those convicted of violent crimes, such as murder and aggravated assault, while allowing individuals with convictions for lesser offenses, as defined in R.S. 13:5401(B)(1)(f), to qualify.

The amendments to R.S. 17:3047.2(A)(8)(b) clarify that a conviction for crimes such as aggravated battery, second degree battery, and simple robbery will not disqualify an applicant unless the conviction is for more serious offenses, including battery of a police officer, disarming a peace officer, aggravated arson, and home invasion. This change aims to broaden access to the M.J. Foster Promise Program for individuals with a criminal history while maintaining restrictions on those convicted of more severe crimes. The bill reflects a balance between providing opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring the integrity of the program.

Statutes affected:
HB558 Original: 17:2(A)(8)
HB558 Engrossed: 17:2(A)(8)