House Bill No. [insert bill 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 modifies the criteria regarding criminal history, allowing individuals with certain convictions to be eligible for the program. Under the new provisions, a conviction for crimes listed in R.S. 13:5401(B)(1)(f) will not automatically disqualify an applicant unless the conviction is for specific serious offenses, including battery of a police officer, aggravated assault with a firearm, or simple kidnapping.

The bill retains the existing law that disqualifies applicants with convictions for a range of violent crimes, such as murder, aggravated assault, and sexual offenses. However, it introduces a more lenient approach by permitting individuals with convictions for less severe crimes, such as aggravated battery or second-degree battery, to apply for the program. This change aims to expand access to educational opportunities for individuals with criminal records while maintaining safeguards against those convicted of more serious violent crimes.

Statutes affected:
HB274 Original: 17:2(A)(8)