House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant changes to the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council by transferring its oversight from the Board of Regents to Louisiana Works. The bill amends various sections of the law to redefine the council's membership, powers, and meeting requirements. Notably, the council will now be chaired by the secretary of Louisiana Works, and it will meet twice a year instead of quarterly. Additionally, members will have the option to attend meetings electronically. The bill also repeals certain provisions related to council membership and meeting frequency, streamlining its operations.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Fund as a special fund within the state treasury, aimed at supporting student-focused STEM programs and competitions. It clarifies the sources of funding for this initiative, allowing for legislative appropriations as well as grants and donations. The proposed law retains the requirement for the council to submit an annual status report on its activities, but now includes additional committees for reporting. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the STEM Advisory Council and its initiatives in promoting STEM education across Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB445 Original: 17:4071(A), 17:4071(B)(11), 36:651(K)(6)