Senate Bill No. 180, introduced by Senator Barrow, aims to establish a new pilot program called "Farm-Ed" within the framework of agricultural education in Louisiana. The bill amends existing law (R.S. 17:185.6) to include the Farm-Ed program alongside the agricultural education immersion pilot program, ensuring that both initiatives are implemented as quickly as possible using available funding. Additionally, the bill enacts a new section (R.S. 17:185.7) that mandates the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to collaborate with the state Department of Education to create the Farm-Ed program, which will integrate controlled environment grow chambers and relevant curriculum into classrooms from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The proposed legislation outlines that BESE and the state Department of Education will be responsible for establishing rules and regulations for the administration of the Farm-Ed program. These regulations will include determining which schools will participate and how funds will be allocated for the program. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and aims to enhance agricultural education by providing hands-on learning experiences in controlled environments.

Statutes affected:
SB180 Original:
SB180 Engrossed: