House Bill No. 445 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 R.S. 17:4071, reducing the frequency of council meetings from quarterly to twice a year, allowing members to attend meetings electronically, and establishing a new leadership structure with the secretary of Louisiana Works serving as chair. Additionally, it repeals certain provisions related to council membership and responsibilities to streamline operations. The bill also creates the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Fund to support student-focused STEM programs, clarifying funding sources and maintaining the requirement for the council to submit an annual status report through Louisiana Works to additional legislative committees.

Furthermore, the bill amends various sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 17:4071 and R.S. 36:309, while repealing certain provisions from R.S. 17 and R.S. 36. Key changes include the addition of new provisions in R.S. 36:309(E)(3) and the repeal of specific subsections in R.S. 17:4071 and R.S. 36:651, focusing on outdated or redundant language. The proposed law aims to modernize the legal framework governing the Bond Security and Redemption Fund while ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements, ultimately enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of the law.

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