Senate Bill No. 82, introduced by Senators Mizell and Hodges, mandates a five-day school week for public schools in Louisiana, with specific exceptions. The bill enacts R.S. 17:154.1(D), which stipulates that the minimum school week must consist of five consecutive days, excluding recognized legal holidays. However, this requirement does not apply to school districts that achieve a performance score of A from the state Department of Education or to local school systems that have adopted a four-day school week by December 31, 2025, allowing them to continue with their current schedule.

The bill retains existing laws regarding the minimum school day and year, which require 360 minutes of instructional time and 177 days of instruction, respectively. The new provisions will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time for gubernatorial action if not signed. This legislation aims to standardize the school week while providing flexibility for high-performing districts and those already operating on a four-day schedule.