House Bill No. [insert number] 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 in Louisiana. The bill specifically addresses the criteria related to an applicant's criminal history. Under the proposed changes, individuals with certain convictions will no longer be automatically disqualified from eligibility. While the bill retains the existing prohibition against convictions for serious crimes of violence, it allows applicants with convictions for specific crimes listed in R.S. 13:5401(B)(1)(f) to be considered eligible unless their conviction falls under a defined set of serious offenses, such as battery of a police officer, aggravated assault with a firearm, and simple kidnapping.

The bill aims to broaden access to the M.J. Foster Promise Program by permitting individuals with a broader range of criminal histories to qualify for financial assistance, thereby promoting educational opportunities for those who may have previously been excluded. The specific crimes that will not disqualify an applicant include aggravated battery, second degree battery, and aggravated assault, among others. This legislative change reflects a shift towards a more inclusive approach in higher education funding, recognizing the potential for rehabilitation and the importance of education in reducing recidivism.

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