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 criteria related to criminal history, allowing individuals with certain convictions to be eligible for the program. The amended law retains the existing prohibition against applicants with convictions for serious crimes of violence, such as murder, aggravated assault, and armed robbery, while introducing provisions that permit applicants with convictions for specific lesser offenses, such as aggravated battery and simple robbery, to qualify.

The bill modifies the language in R.S. 17:3047.2(A)(8)(b) by stating that a conviction for certain crimes listed in R.S. 13:5401(B)(1)(f) will not automatically disqualify an applicant unless the conviction is for more severe offenses, including battery of a police officer and aggravated arson. Additionally, the bill restores previous language that includes disarming a peace officer and home invasion among the crimes that would render an applicant ineligible. Overall, this legislation aims to broaden access to the M.J. Foster Promise Program while maintaining safeguards against applicants with serious criminal backgrounds.

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