Senate Bill No. by Senator Cathey amends the eligibility requirements for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), specifically regarding military veterans seeking a TOPS-Tech Award. The bill removes the previous stipulation that the eligibility criteria were only applicable for the academic years 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023. Instead, it establishes that any individual honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces from a Louisiana military installation is eligible for the award, provided they meet certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for veterans to have achieved a minimum score of 17 on the ACT or an equivalent score on the SAT, or a silver level score on the ACT WorkKeys assessment. Instead, it mandates that applicants must provide a copy of their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, known as DD Form 214, to verify their qualifying military service. This change aims to simplify the eligibility process for veterans seeking educational benefits through the TOPS program. The proposed changes will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB105 Original: 17:5029(E)(1)