House Bill No. 406, introduced by Representative Mike Johnson, mandates the Louisiana Department of Education to conduct a comprehensive study on the direction and regulation of interscholastic high school athletics. The study will explore the feasibility of implementing a cooperative endeavor agreement with a nonprofit corporation to ensure that the governance of high school athletics aligns with principles of fairness, impartiality, and responsiveness. The bill outlines specific components that the study must address, including potential nonprofit partners, a timeline for implementation starting in the 2028-2029 school year, funding considerations, and necessary legislative recommendations.

The Department of Education is required to submit a written report of its findings and conclusions to several legislative committees by March 1, 2027. This report will include details on potential nonprofit corporations for the cooperative agreement, a plan for implementation, and transitional considerations. The bill emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness in the regulation of high school athletics, particularly in light of concerns regarding the current governance structure, which is criticized for lacking oversight and consistency.