House Bill No. [insert bill number] enacts R.S. 17:176.3, which mandates the Louisiana Department of Education to conduct a 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 oversee these athletics, ensuring that the governance aligns with principles of fairness, impartiality, and responsiveness. The bill outlines specific assumptions that the cooperative agreement must adhere to, including compliance with state laws, rules set by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and regulations concerning eligibility, student health and safety, and competition administration.

The Department of Education is required to submit a written report of findings and conclusions to several legislative committees by March 1, 2027. This report must include potential nonprofit partners for the cooperative agreement, an action plan for implementation starting in the 2028-2029 school year, funding considerations, and recommendations for necessary legislation. The bill emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness in the regulation of high school athletics, addressing concerns about the current governance structure and its impact on students and schools.