reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.13.2. Immunities

RS 17:3399.13.2 - Immunities
A. A person acting in good faith who reports or assists in the investigation of a report of an incident of power-based violence, or who testifies or otherwise participates in a disciplinary process or judicial proceeding arising from a report of such an incident:
(1) Shall be immune from civil liability and from criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of those actions.
(2) May not be subjected to any disciplinary action by the institution in which the person is enrolled or employed for any violation by the person of the institution's code of conduct reasonably related to the incident for which suspension or expulsion from the institution is not a possible punishment.
B. Subsection A of this Section shall not apply to a person who perpetrates or assists in the perpetration of the incident reported under R.S. 17:3399.13.
Acts 2021, No. 439, §2, eff. June 21, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 472, §2, eff. June 29, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.13.3. Failure to report or false reporting

RS 17:3399.13.3 - Failure to report or false reporting
A responsible employee who is determined by the institution's disciplinary procedures to have knowingly failed to make a report or, with the intent to harm or deceive, made a report that is knowingly false shall be terminated.
Acts 2021, No. 439, §2, eff. June 21, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 472, §2, eff. June 29, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.13.4. Confidentiality

RS 17:3399.13.4 - Confidentiality
A. Unless waived in writing by the alleged victim, the identity of an alleged victim of an incident reported under R.S. 17:3399.13 is confidential and not subject to disclosure except to:
(1) A person employed by or under contract with the institution to which the report is made, if the disclosure is necessary to conduct the investigation of the report or any related hearings.
(2) A law enforcement officer as necessary to conduct a criminal investigation of the report.
(3) A person alleged to have perpetrated the incident, to the extent required by law.
(4) A potential witness to the incident as necessary to conduct an investigation of the report.
B. The alleged victim shall have the right to obtain a copy of any report made pursuant to this Part that pertains to the alleged victim.
Acts 2021, No. 439, §2, eff. June 21, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 472, §2, eff. June 29, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.13.5. Retaliation prohibited

RS 17:3399.13.5 - Retaliation prohibited
A. An institution shall not discipline, discriminate, or otherwise retaliate against an employee or student who in good faith either:
(1) Makes a report as required by R.S. 17:3399.13.
(2) Cooperates with an investigation, a disciplinary process, or a judicial proceeding relating to a report made by the employee or student as required by R.S. 17:3399.13.
B. Subsection A of this Section does not apply to an employee or student who either:
(1) Reports an incident of power-based violence perpetrated by the employee or student.
(2) Cooperates with an investigation, a disciplinary process, or a judicial proceeding relating to an allegation that the employee or student perpetrated an incident of power-based violence.
Acts 2021, No. 439, §2, eff. June 21, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 472, §2, eff. June 29, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.14. Coordination with local law enforcement

RS 17:3399.14 - Coordination with local law enforcement
A. On or before January 1, 2022, each institution and law enforcement and criminal justice agency located within the parish of the campus of the institution, including the campus police department, if any, the local district attorney's office, and any law enforcement agency with criminal jurisdiction over the campus, shall enter into and maintain a written memorandum of understanding to clearly delineate responsibilities and share information in accordance with applicable federal and state confidentiality laws, including but not limited to trends about power-based violence committed by or against students of the institution.
B. Each memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to this Part shall include:
(1) Delineation and sharing protocols of investigative responsibilities.
(2) Protocols for investigations, including standards for notification and communication and measures to promote evidence preservation.
(3) Agreed-upon training and requirements for the parties to the memorandum of understanding on issues related to power-based violence for the purpose of sharing information and coordinating training to the extent possible.
(4) A method of sharing general information about power-based violence occurring within the jurisdiction of the parties to the memorandum of understanding in order to improve campus safety.
(5) A requirement that the local law enforcement agency include information on its police report regarding the status of the alleged victim as a student at an institution.
C. Each memorandum of understanding shall be signed by all parties to the memorandum.
D. The head of any law enforcement or criminal justice agency located within the parish of the campus of the institution shall execute a memorandum of understanding proposed by an institution within the law enforcement agency's criminal jurisdiction within thirty days of receipt of the proposal.
E. Each executed memorandum of understanding shall be reviewed annually by each institution's chancellor, Title IX coordinator, and the executive officer of the criminal justice agency and shall be revised as considered necessary.
F. Nothing in this Part or any memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to this Section shall be construed as prohibiting a victim or responsible employee from making a complaint to both the institution and a law enforcement agency.
Acts 2015, No. 172, §1, eff. June 23, 2015; Acts 2021, No. 439, §2, eff. June 21, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 472, §2, eff. June 29, 2021; Acts 2023, No. 211, §1, eff. June 8, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.16. Safety education; recognition and reporting of potential threats to safety

RS 17:3399.16 - Safety education; recognition and reporting of potential threats to safety
A. Not later than the beginning of the fall semester of 2022, the administration of each institution, in consultation with campus or local law enforcement agencies, shall develop and distribute information to students regarding power-based violence, campus safety, and internet and cell phone safety and online content that is a potential threat to school safety.
B. The information shall include the following:
(1) Instruction on how to identify and prevent power-based violence and how to detect potential threats to school safety exhibited online, including on any social media platform.
(2) How to report incidents of power-based violence, crimes on campus, violations of the student code of conduct, and possible threats to campus safety.
(3) Where to find reports regarding campus safety.
C. The information shall be distributed as part of new student orientation and shall be posted on an easily accessible page of each institution's website.
D. The reporting process for possible threats to the campus shall, at a minimum, include:
(1) A standardized form to be used by students, faculty, and other personnel to report potential threats. The form shall request, at a minimum, the following information:
(a) Name of institution, person, or group being threatened.
(b) Name of student, individual, or group threatening violence.
(c) Date and time the threat was made.
(d) Method by which the threat was made, including the social media outlet or website where the threat was posted, a screenshot or recording of the threat, if available, and any printed evidence of the threat.
(2) A process for allowing anonymous reporting and for safeguarding the identity of a person who reports an incident of power-based violence or a safety threat.
E. Each institution shall adopt a policy to implement the provisions of this Section. The policy shall require that for every report of an incident of power-based violence or a safety threat received, the actions taken by the institution and the campus law enforcement agency or security officers be documented. The policy shall also provide for guidelines on referring the reports to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Acts 2018, No. 641, §2; Acts 2021, No. 439, §2, eff. June 21, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 472, §2, eff. June 29, 2021; Acts 2022, No. 689, §1, eff. June 18, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.17. Public institutions of postsecondary education; power-based violence climate surveys

RS 17:3399.17 - Public institutions of postsecondary education; power-based violence climate surveys
A.(1) Each institution shall administer an anonymous power-based violence climate survey to its students. If an institution administers other surveys with regard to campus safety, the power-based violence climate survey may be included as a separate component of any such survey, provided that the power-based violence component is clearly identified as such.
(2) Participation in the power-based violence climate survey shall be voluntary. No student shall be required or coerced to participate in the survey, nor shall any student face retribution or negative consequence of any kind for declining to participate.
(3) Each institution shall make every effort to maximize student participation in the survey.
B. The Board of Regents shall:
(1) Coordinate the survey in consultation with the public postsecondary education management boards and stakeholders in accordance with national best practices.
(2) Work with the management boards in researching and selecting the best method of developing and administering the survey.
(3) Consult with victims' advocacy groups and student leaders who represent a variety of student organizations and affiliations, including student government associations, academic associations, faith-based groups, cultural groups, and fraternities and sororities, when meeting the requirements of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.
(4) Publish the survey results on the board's website and in any other location or venue the board considers necessary or appropriate.
C. Each public postsecondary institution shall:
(1) Administer a survey during the 2022-2023 academic year and every third year thereafter.
(2) Report survey results to the institution's board of supervisors and the Board of Regents.
(3) Publish the survey results in a prominent, easy-to-access location on the institution's website.
D. The Board of Regents shall submit a written report on the survey results to be included in the power-based violence report pursuant to R.S. 17:3399.13.1(F). The report shall summarize results from each public postsecondary education institution and the state as a whole. The report shall be submitted to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library as required by R.S. 24:771 and 772.
Acts 2019, No. 157, §1, eff. June 6, 2019; Acts 2021, No. 439, §2, eff. June 21, 2021; Acts 2021, No. 472, §2, eff. June 29, 2021; Acts 2023, No. 211, §1, eff. June 8, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.19. Disclosure of campus security policies and campus crime statistics

RS 17:3399.19 - Disclosure of campus security policies and campus crime statistics
A.(1) Each campus of each public postsecondary education institution shall publish on its website a semiannual security report that contains updated campus security policies and campus crime statistics. The reports shall be updated and posted by April tenth and October tenth of each academic year. The information in the report shall include, at a minimum, all of the information relative to such policies and statistics specified in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092, referred to in this Section as the Clery Act.
(2) The report shall be posted in a prominent location that is readily accessible from the main landing page of each campus's website. If an individual campus does not have its own website, it shall be posted on the main website of the institution with the campus clearly indicated.
B.(1) The Board of Regents shall monitor websites for compliance with this Section. The board shall notify the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education, and the State Bond Commission upon an institution's failure to comply with this Section. For a period of two years following such a notification, the State Bond Commission shall not authorize the institution to incur any debt that is subject to the commission's approval.
(2) Any person may commence a suit in the district court for the parish in which an action in violation of this Section occurred for the issuance of a writ of mandamus or injunctive or declaratory relief to require compliance with the provisions of this Section, together with reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Acts 2021, No. 447, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.21. Definitions

RS 17:3399.21 - Definitions
As used in this Part, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) "Foster youth" means any individual in the care, custody, or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services in the foster care program for any six of the seventy-two months immediately prior to his eighteenth birthday.
(2) "Homeless youth" means any individual under twenty-five years of age who has been verified, at any time during the six years prior to his enrollment in a public postsecondary education institution, as a homeless child or youth as defined in 42 U.S.C. 11434a(2) by at least one of the following:
(a) A governmental or nonprofit agency that receives federal, state, parish, or municipal funding to provide services to homeless persons or that is otherwise sanctioned to provide these services by a homeless continuum of care organization.
(b) An attorney appointed by the court to represent the youth.
(c) A local education agency liaison for homeless children and youth designated as such pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii) or a school social worker.
(d) A human services provider or public social services provider funded by the state to provide services for homeless children and youth, including health services, mental or behavioral health services, substance use disorder services, or public assistance or employment services.
(e) A law enforcement officer designated as a liaison to the homeless population by a law enforcement agency or department within the state.
(f) The director of a federal TRIO program or his designee.
(g) A court-appointed special advocate (CASA) employee or volunteer.
(h) A financial aid administrator.
(i) An admissions counselor.
Acts 2016, No. 306, §1; Acts 2022, No. 374, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.22. Homeless and foster student liaisons

RS 17:3399.22 - Homeless and foster student liaisons
Each public postsecondary education institution shall designate a homeless and foster student liaison within its financial aid office. This liaison shall be responsible for applying the provisions of the federal Higher Education Act pertaining to the independent student status and financial aid eligibility of current and former homeless and foster youth and shall assist these students, both current and prospective, in applying for federal and state financial aid and other assistance for which they may be eligible.
Acts 2016, No. 306, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.23. Residency status

RS 17:3399.23 - Residency status
Notwithstanding any provision of law or policy to the contrary, a public postsecondary education institution may grant resident status to a student who resides in Louisiana and is nineteen years of age or under at the time of enrollment, regardless of how long he has resided in the state, if he is determined to have been homeless at any time during the two years immediately preceding his enrollment.
Acts 2016, No. 306, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.24. Housing

RS 17:3399.24 - Housing
In order to ensure that current and former homeless and foster youth have access to stable housing, a public postsecondary education institution that offers student housing may develop a plan to provide that these students have access to housing resources as needed during and between academic terms. The plan may grant them first priority for housing placement and provide that they be placed in the institution's housing facility that remains open for occupation during the most days in a calendar year.
Acts 2016, No. 306, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.31. Definitions

RS 17:3399.31 - Definitions
As used in this Part, the following terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Expressive activities" include but are not limited to any lawful verbal or written means by which individuals or groups communicate ideas to one another, as provided by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and by the Constitution of Louisiana, including all forms of peaceful assembly, protest, speech, distribution of literature, carrying signs, and circulating petitions. This expressly excludes commercial activities where individuals or groups are being compensated or attempting to advertise, market, or accrue financial gain to any individual, corporation, business, or organization.
(2) "Material and substantial disruption" means when a person, with the intent and knowledge of doing so, significantly hinders expressive activity, prevents the communication of the message, or prevents the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering, or procession by either of the following:
(a) Engaging in fighting, violence, or similar unlawful behavior.
(b) Physically blocking or using threats of violence to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing, or otherwise participating in an expressive activity.
(3) "Outdoor areas" are outside areas generally accessible to the majority of students, administrators, faculty, and staff, such as grassy areas, walkways, or other similar common areas, and do not include areas where access is restricted.
(4) "Student" means any person who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in a public postsecondary education institution.
(5) "Student-on-student discriminatory harassment" means unwelcome conduct that targets its victim on the basis of a class protected under federal, state, or local law and that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive and so undermines and detracts from the victim's educational experience that the victim is effectively denied equal access to an institution's resources and opportunities.
(6) "Student organization" means an officially recognized group at a public postsecondary education institution, or a group seeking official recognition, comprised of enrolled students.
Acts 2018, No. 666, §1, eff. June 1, 2018; Acts 2022, No. 374, §1; Acts 2022, No. 727, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.33. Freedom of association; student organizations

RS 17:3399.33 - Freedom of association; student organizations
No public postsecondary education institution shall deny a belief-based student organization any benefit or privilege available to any other student organization, or otherwise discriminate against a belief-based organization, based on the expression of the organization, including any requirement that the leaders or members of the organization:
(1) Affirm and adhere to the organization's sincerely held beliefs.
(2) Comply with the organization's standards of conduct.
(3) Further the organization's mission or purpose, as defined by the organization.
Acts 2018, No. 666, §1, eff. June 1, 2018.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.34. Institutional policies on free expression

RS 17:3399.34 - Institutional policies on free expression
Each public postsecondary education institution shall develop policies, regulations, and expectations of students regarding free expression and association on campus that are consistent with this Part and the policies of its management board. The policies shall outline the rights of students, administrators, faculty, and staff and shall:
(1) Be made public in the institution's handbook, on its website, and through student orientation programs.
(2) Be incorporated in the materials, programs, and procedures provided to all employees and students.
(3) Provide information regarding the procedures whereby a person aggrieved by a violation of this Part or the institution's policies on free expression may seek relief.
Acts 2018, No. 666, §1, eff. June 1, 2018.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.36. Reports

RS 17:3399.36 - Reports
A. Each public postsecondary education institution shall submit a report to the governor and the legislature by January 1, 2019, on the implementation of the provisions of this Part.
B. Each institution shall annually submit a report to the governor and the legislature regarding any barriers to or incidents against free expression that occurred at the institution. The report shall detail the barrier or incident as well as actions taken in response to the barrier or incident.
C. If an institution is sued for an alleged violation of a right guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, the institution shall submit a supplementary report with a copy of the complaint to the governor and the state legislature within thirty days of receipt of the complaint.
D. Each institution shall post all reports pursuant to this Section on its website.
Acts 2018, No. 666, §1, eff. June 1, 2018.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.37. Regulations

RS 17:3399.37 - Regulations
Each postsecondary public education management board shall adopt policies to implement the provisions of this Part. Nothing in this Part shall be construed to prevent institutions from regulating student speech or activity that is prohibited by law. Except as further limited by this Part, institutions may restrict student expression only for expressive activity not protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution of Louisiana and other applicable laws.
Acts 2018, No. 666, §1, eff. June 1, 2018.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3399.38. Conflict with other laws

RS 17:3399.38 - Conflict with other laws
The provisions of this Part shall supersede and control to the extent of any conflict with any other provision of law and shall govern a public postsecondary education institution's obligation to address all forms of discriminatory harassment perpetrated by one student on another, including sexual harassment.
Acts 2022, No. 727, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3401. Accreditation of Montessori schools and certification of Montessori teachers; procedure; loss of accreditation

RS 17:3401 - Accreditation of Montessori schools and certification of Montessori teachers; procedure; loss of accreditation
A. The Louisiana Montessori Association, or its successor, shall submit to the state superintendent of education a list of schools and teachers certified by the association as Montessori schools and Class A Montessori teachers for accreditation or certification by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as Montessori schools and Louisiana state Montessori teachers. The association shall also submit to the state superintendent of education in connection therewith any additional reasonable information required by the aforementioned board. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall accredit such schools and certify teachers so accredited or certified by the state superintendent of education under the provisions of this Chapter, as Montessori schools and Louisiana state Montessori teachers. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply only to accreditation of nonpublic Montessori schools.
B. The state superintendent of education shall appoint a school accreditation committee to insure compliance with this Chapter. The committee shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by the superintendent of education from a list of not fewer than seven names to be submitted by the Louisiana Montessori Association. Such committee may recommend to the superintendent of education accreditation of schools in compliance with this Chapter or loss of accreditation of those schools not in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
This committee shall serve without compensation or expenses.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 290, §1. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 400, §1, eff. July 20, 1982.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3403. Minimum requirements for teacher certification; authorization for supplemental compensation

RS 17:3403 - Minimum requirements for teacher certification; authorization for supplemental compensation
A. Montessori teachers having the requirements set forth below shall be certified by the appropriate Montessori organization as follows:
(1) A "Class A" teacher shall have a certification from either the American Montessori Society, the Association Montessori Internationale, the St. Nicholas Training Course of London, or the Montessori World Education Institute, or any other Montessori training course jointly approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Montessori Association, plus a baccalaureate degree and at least one year of teaching experience in a Montessori school.
(2) A "Class B" teacher shall have a certification from either the American Montessori Society, the Association Montessori Internationale, the St. Nicholas Training Course of London, or the Montessori World Education Institute, or any other Montessori training course jointly approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Montessori Association, plus at least one year of teaching experience in a Montessori school.
(3) A "Class C" teacher shall have a certification from either the American Montessori Society, the Association Montessori Internationale, the St. Nicholas Training Course of London, or the Montessori World Education Institute, or any other Montessori course jointly approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Montessori Association.
B. A teacher who teaches a junior class shall have Montessori certification for the age levels which he teaches and a baccalaureate degree.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any person teaching in a Montessori school who receives a salary paid by the government of France may receive additional compensation paid by the employing school out of funds available to the school for such purpose whether such funds are part of its normal operating budget or are provided by its parent organization or any local, state, or federal educational organization or foundation. The school may compensate the person up to the amount of the difference in salary paid such person by the government of France and the average salary of a teacher in a public school in Louisiana with comparable qualifications and experience.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 290, §1. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 400, §1, eff. July 20, 1982; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 56, §1, eff. April 17, 2000.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3451. Purpose

RS 17:3451 - Purpose
The purpose of this Chapter is to create the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium for Research and Education as a statewide entity with the primary function of conducting research and promoting education in the marine sciences and marine technology, particularly where related to coastal resources and the impact of energy related industries upon these coastal resources. Such functions shall be performed by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium on the Louisiana gulf coast.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 557, §1; Acts 2012, No. 768, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3452. Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium for Research and Education; creation; membership

RS 17:3452 - Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium for Research and Education; creation; membership
The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium for Research and Education, referred to hereinafter as the consortium, is hereby created as a body corporate under the authority of the Board of Regents hereafter to be referred to as the board in this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 557, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1243, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 2016, No. 314, §1(A).
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3453.1. Science and Education Advisory Council; creation; membership; duties

RS 17:3453.1 - Science and Education Advisory Council; creation; membership; duties
A. The Science and Education Advisory Council is hereby created to provide advice and information as requested by the board.
B. The Science and Education Advisory Council shall be composed of the following members:
(1) One representative from each four-year public college and university, each of whom shall be a faculty member appointed by the president or chancellor of each institution.
(2) One representative from each of the member institutions of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, each of whom shall be a faculty member appointed by the president or chancellor of each institution.
(3) One representative from the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, appointed by the president of such system.
C. The advisory council shall meet as necessary to respond to requests from the board as well as to provide the board with the benefit of perspectives represented on the council.
Acts 2012, No. 768, §1; Acts 2016, No. 314, §1(A).
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3455. Executive director; appointment; functions

RS 17:3455 - Executive director; appointment; functions
The board may appoint a chief administrative officer who shall be the executive director of the consortium. The executive director of the consortium shall serve at the pleasure of the board and shall, with the approval of the board and subject to the applicable civil service laws, rules, and regulations of the state, appoint and remove all professional, research, technical, clerical, and stenographic employees of the consortium. The compensation of the executive director shall be fixed by the board. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the board, the executive committee, and any additional committees appointed by the board to assist in the implementation of the provisions of this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 557, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1243, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 2016, No. 314, §1(A).
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3456. Annual report; master plan

RS 17:3456 - Annual report; master plan
A. The board, in consultation with the Science and Education Advisory Council, shall formulate a five-year master plan for the consortium's marine science and education programs and initiatives and shall make timely revisions to such plan as warranted and necessary.
B. On or before December thirty-first of each year, the executive director shall submit an annual report of the activities of the consortium to the board together with any additional information the board may require.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 557, §1. Amended by Acts 1995, No. 1243, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 2012, No. 768, §1; Acts 2016, No. 314, §1(A).
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3601. Purpose

RS 17:3601 - Purpose
It is the purpose of this Chapter to provide a mechanism by which professional educational employees in public elementary and secondary schools of this state will have an opportunity for continuing professional growth and improvement in order to enable them to acquire and bring into the classroom innovative ideas, insight, greater competence, and better methods of instruction.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3602. Definitions

RS 17:3602 - Definitions
As used in this Chapter, the following terms have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Department" means the Department of Education.
(2) "Lifetime certificate" means a teaching certificate issued by the department which is permanent and need not be renewed.
(3) "Plan" means an uncompleted professional improvement program.
(4) "Professional Improvement Points" sometimes herein referred to as "PIPS," means units by which the effort and quality of improvement activities are measured.
(5) "Program" means a completed five-year professional improvement program, or refers to the subject of this Chapter.
(6) "Public school" means any public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school in this state.
(7) "Teacher" means any public school classroom teacher, librarian, school counselor, secondary vocational instructor, principal, assistant principal, or other personnel for whom a valid Louisiana teaching certificate is required for employment; any teacher in an institution which offers thirteenth and fourteenth grade instruction; any speech therapist who possesses a valid Louisiana ancillary certificate issued by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; and any instructor seeking to continue in the program who has been transferred from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to vocational-technical schools under the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(8) "Teaching certificate" means a certificate issued by the department to school personnel pursuant to the requirements fixed by the department or by law.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 617, §1; Acts 1982, No. 433, §1, eff. July 21, 1982; Acts 1984, No. 257, §1, eff. July 13, 1984; Acts 1985, No. 713, §1; Acts 2021, No. 275, §4; Acts 2022, No. 374, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3603. Applicability and participation

RS 17:3603 - Applicability and participation
A. The provisions of this Chapter apply to all teachers except those with less than three years of teaching experience.
B. Participation in the program is voluntary. A teacher who elects not to participate in the program shall continue to be paid according to the state minimum salary schedule as provided for in R.S. 17:421.3 and any payment plan in effect in the public school system in which he or she is employed.
C. The following persons shall not be eligible to participate in the program provided for in this Chapter:
(1) Any person owing reimbursement as provided in R.S. 17:7.3(C), to the state superintendent for monies paid in his behalf for participation in the continuing education program for teachers.
(2) Any person owing reimbursement, as provided in R.S. 17:3621.1, to the state superintendent for monies paid to him for participating in the program provided in this Chapter.
D. No teacher may submit or pursue more than one five-year program, and no teacher may initiate a five-year program after June 30, 1984. Provided however, that any application pending approval as of May 30, 1984 shall be considered and if approved such applicant shall be permitted to initiate his five-year program after June 30, 1984.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1. Acts 1983, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 44, §2, eff. Jan. 19, 1983; Acts 1984, No. 257, §1, eff. July 13, 1984.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3621. Compensation

RS 17:3621 - Compensation
During the time the plan is pursued and after such plan is successfully completed as hereinafter provided, each participating teacher shall be paid compensation by the state as contained in R.S. 17:421.3 and, in addition, shall be paid as an inducement an amount for such participation according to the schedule below:
BACH-
SPECIAL-
YEARS OF
ELOR'S
MASTER'S
MASTER'S
IST IN
PH.D OR
EXPERIENCE
DEGREE
DEGREE
PLUS 30
ED.
ED.D.
3
$1129
$1155
$1155
$1193
$1257
4
1155
1180
1180
1219
1297
5
1180
1219
1225
1266
1337
6
1206
1257
1270
1310
1377
7
1231
1297
1317
1357
1417
8
1257
1337
1364
1404
1457
9
1297
1377
1411
1451
1497
10
1337
1417
1457
1497
1538
11
1437
1457
1504
1544
1578
12
1505
1529
1551
1591
1618
13
1738
1749
1861
1909
1941
14
1738
1894
2016
2068
2103
15
1872
2040
2171
2227
2265
16
1872
2040
2171
2227
2265
17
1872
2040
2171
2227
2265
18
2273
2477
2637
2705
2750
19
2273
2477
2637
2705
2750
20
2273
2477
2637
2705
2750
21
2674
2915
3102
3182
3235
22
2674
2915
3102
3182
3235
23
2674
2915
3102
3182
3235
24
2674
2915
3102
3182
3235
25
3075
3352
3567
3659
3721
Notwithstanding any provision of this Chapter to the contrary, any teacher who successfully completes his five-year professional improvement program as provided in this Chapter and who chooses not to continue in the program shall not have his annual salary diminished below the salary he would be receiving under the provisions of this Section at the time of his successful completion of his five-year program.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1, eff. July 1, 1981. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 337, §1, eff. July 15, 1981.
{{NOTE: ACTS 1989, NO. 190, §4 PURPORTS TO REPEAL PART II OF CHAPTER 29 OF TITLE 17; HOWEVER, IT REPEALS §§3609 THROUGH 3617 ONLY. LAW INSTITUTE RETAINED SUBPARTS B AND C.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3621.1. Reimbursement of compensation

RS 17:3621.1 - Reimbursement of compensation
A. Each teacher participating in a professional improvement program in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter shall enter into a written agreement with the state superintendent of education obligating such teacher to reimburse the state superintendent of education for all compensation paid by the state to such teacher as a participant in such program in excess of that provided for such teacher under R.S. 17:421.3 or the statute providing state paid salary for such teacher. Reimbursement shall be required from the teacher in any one year in which he does not successfully complete all the elements prescribed in his program for that year in accordance with R.S. 17:3623(A), except as provided in R.S. 17:3653.
B. When any teacher fails to successfully complete all the elements prescribed for any one year of his program as herein provided, except as provided in R.S. 17:3653, he shall reimburse the state superintendent of education all monies paid to him by the state as a participant in such program in excess of the amount provided for such teacher in R.S. 17:421.3 or the statute providing state paid salary for such teacher for that year. The State Professional Improvement Committee, provided for in R.S. 17:3610, shall adopt rules and regulations to establish a procedure by which this reimbursement shall be accomplished. If any teacher fails to make timely reimbursement to the state superintendent of education in accordance with the provisions of this Section and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant hereto, there shall be imposed a specific penalty to be added to such reimbursement in the amount of five percent of such reimbursement. Such penalty and the original reimbursement amount shall constitute a legal obligation of the teacher. The attorney general shall collect all such obligations which are not timely paid on behalf of the superintendent of education, or, if requested by the superintendent, the school board which currently employs such teacher shall collect such obligation, in which case the attorney general shall be released from such responsibility. Costs incurred by local school boards in the required collection of such obligations shall be reimbursed by the state in the same manner as provided in R.S. 17:3654.
C. Any participant whose plan is found to contain activities or pursuits not approved for participants in his area of certification or not otherwise approved by the state committee shall lose all PIPS awarded for such activities or pursuits, and, if the total PIPS awarded after such deduction has been made are not sufficient to qualify such participant for an enhanced salary under the provisions of this Chapter, he shall be required to reimburse the state superintendent of education for any enhanced salary received, such reimbursement to be accomplished as provided in this Section. The state committee shall determine whether reimbursement shall be required in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection.
Added by Acts 1981, No. 336, §1, eff. July 15, 1981.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3621.2. Continuation of compensation

RS 17:3621.2 - Continuation of compensation
A. Notwithstanding any provision of this Chapter to the contrary, a teacher who has successfully completed his professional improvement program and has terminated his employment with a city or parish school board shall receive the additional compensation provided in R.S. 17:3621 upon subsequent employment with a local school board or a vocational-technical school subject to either of the following conditions:
(1) That the teacher was employed by a city or parish school board as a teacher of vocational-technical courses and such courses were eliminated by such school board or the teacher was terminated as the result of a reduction-in-force action by the employing school board and such teacher was subsequently employed as an instructor by a state vocational-technical school.
(2) That the teacher was employed by a city or parish school board and was employed by any city or parish school board within three years from the date prior employment was terminated.
B. Any teacher who has begun his professional improvement program but has not completed such program and who takes a leave of absence to pursue a doctor's degree at an institution of higher education and upon completion of such degree is employed by a city or parish school board in a teaching position or as a counselor shall be permitted to resume his professional improvement program and may substitute any academic courses completed in such degree program for those required by his professional improvement program pursuant to R.S. 17:3622.
Acts 1990, No. 650, §1, eff. July 19, 1990.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3621.3. Hearing officer; debt collection; state district court

RS 17:3621.3 - Hearing officer; debt collection; state district court
Prior to the expiration of the state committee, the state superintendent, with the approval of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, shall appoint a nonpartisan hearing officer to hear and determine cases involving debt collections. All appeals from the hearing officer regarding debt collections shall be taken directly to the Nineteenth Judicial District Court for East Baton Rouge Parish.
Acts 1990, No. 4, §1, eff. May 23, 1990.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3624. Program evaluation

RS 17:3624 - Program evaluation
A. Periodically, but not less than once each year, each participant shall submit a written report with proper documentation of the activities completed, as of that time. The local committee shall review the report, fix the number of PIPS actually earned for the completed activities, and recommend any necessary modification of the plan.
B.(1) At the completion of each five-year plan, the local committee shall review the activities completed and notify the teacher and the state committee in writing that:
(a) The five-year program has been successfully completed by the teacher; or
(b) The five-year program has not been successfully completed, with reasons for such decision; or
(c) Upon application of the participant, a one-year extension for completion has been granted because of extenuating circumstances.
(2) Beginning with the approval of plans for participation in the program year beginning July 1, 1985 and notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, any teacher who obtains fifteen hours of college credit in his field, or its equivalent, and seventy-five clock hours of in-service education in a five-year period shall be considered as having obtained the reasonable quota of self-improvement required by this Chapter.
C. Any teacher whose employment required a teaching certificate at the time he submitted his professional improvement plan in writing to his local committee, received approval by the local committee as required in R.S. 17:3623, and then successfully completed his program before the State Professional Improvement Committee declared such program ineligible, shall be eligible to receive those benefits provided in R.S. 17:3621.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1, eff. July 1, 1981; Acts 1983, No. 99, §1, eff. June 24, 1983; Acts 1988, No. 766, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3625. Professional improvement points

RS 17:3625 - Professional improvement points
Professional Improvement Points (PIPS) shall be awarded upon a determination by the local committee that such points have been earned. No such points shall be awarded for participation in any activities considered regular responsibilities and for which compensation is already paid.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1, eff. July 1, 1981.
{{NOTE: ACTS 1989, NO. 190, §4 PURPORTS TO REPEAL PART II OF CHAPTER 29 OF TITLE 17; HOWEVER, IT REPEALS §§3609 THROUGH 3617 ONLY. LAW INSTITUTE RETAINED SUBPARTS B AND C.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3631. Appeal to local committee

RS 17:3631 - Appeal to local committee
Each participating teacher who is required to successfully complete successive five-year professional improvement programs shall have the right to appeal an adverse decision of the local committee with regard to the fixing of PIPS earned or a decision that the teacher has failed to successfully complete a program. A procedure for appeals to the local committee shall be developed by the state committee.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1, eff. July 1, 1981.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3632. Appeal to the state committee

RS 17:3632 - Appeal to the state committee
If a teacher who has appealed the decision of the local committee is aggrieved by such decision, he or she may serve written notification to the state and local committees of intent to seek a hearing before the state committee or its successor. The application shall be made to the state committee or its successor within ninety days after the decision provided for in R.S. 17:3631 is rendered, and a hearing before the state committee or its successor shall be held within thirty days thereafter. At this hearing both the teacher and the local committee may appear, be represented by counsel, produce witnesses, and submit written evidence. The state committee or its successor shall notify both the local committee and the teacher in writing of its decision, which shall be final, within five days after such hearing.
Acts 1990, No. 650, §1, eff. July 19, 1990.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3652. Teaching certificates

RS 17:3652 - Teaching certificates
A. The provisions of this Chapter shall have no effect on the existing requirements for initial certification or the designated types of certificates.
B. Certificates subsequent to the initial certificate issued to a participating teacher shall contain an endorsement of participation in a professional improvement program.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3653. Failure by participants to successfully complete program

RS 17:3653 - Failure by participants to successfully complete program
If a participating teacher fails to complete his or her approved program during the five-year period or within an additional year if there were acceptable extenuating circumstances, his or her certificate shall be renewed without the endorsement and the additional compensation shall cease.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 207, §1. Acts 1984, No. 257, §1, eff. July 13, 1984.