reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3042.61. Legislative findings; purpose; definitions

RS 17:3042.61 - Legislative findings; purpose; definitions
A. The legislature finds that there is a critical shortage of food animal veterinarians in the state, and it is the intent of the legislature to provide for an adequate supply of veterinarians who will practice food animal veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana. The legislature further finds that funding such a supply of food animal veterinarians is a public purpose and, pursuant to Article VII, Section 14 of the Constitution of Louisiana, the legislature intends to provide for a cooperative endeavor to effectuate such purpose.
B. It is the purpose and intent of this Chapter to provide for loans to eligible applicants who will obtain doctor of veterinary medicine degrees from schools of veterinary medicine which will qualify them to become food animal veterinarians. Additionally, the purpose of such loans shall be to bring about an adequate supply of capable food animal veterinarians by inducing a sufficient number of the graduates of the schools of veterinary medicine of this state to remain in Louisiana to practice food animal veterinary medicine.
C. For the purposes of this Chapter, a school of veterinary medicine shall be defined as any veterinary college or division of a university or college in Louisiana that offers the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent and that conforms to the standards required for accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association and approved by the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Acts 2004, No. 809, §1, eff. July 12, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3042.62. Loans for certain veterinary students; Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission; authority

RS 17:3042.62 - Loans for certain veterinary students; Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission; authority
A. The Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission, hereinafter referred to as "the commission", may use funds appropriated for or otherwise available to the commission for such purpose to make loans to not more than four students each year who each meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
(1) Is a bona fide citizen and resident of the state. However, first priority shall be given to students who have been residents of the state for at least two years.
(2) Has been accepted to enroll in a school of veterinary medicine.
(3) Intends to acquire a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from a school of veterinary medicine.
(4) Intends to practice as a food animal veterinarian in the state of Louisiana.
(5) Meets such other qualifications as the commission may prescribe by rule.
B. The commission may make a loan to a student who it deems to be qualified, upon such terms and conditions as the commission may impose in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
C. Any student to whom the commission has made a loan shall be required to maintain all requirements set forth by the school of veterinary medicine such student is attending.
D. It shall be the duty of the commission to do all of the following:
(1) Accept and review each application for such a loan.
(2) Make careful and full investigation of the qualifications of each applicant.
(3) Determine the eligibility of the applicant to become the recipient of such a loan and to continue to be eligible for such loan.
E. The commission may prescribe such rules and regulations as it deems necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of this Chapter which shall include and provide for an open and competitive process for determining loan recipients.
Acts 2004, No. 809, §1, eff. July 12, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3042.63. Amount; requirements

RS 17:3042.63 - Amount; requirements
A. A loan may be made by the commission pursuant to this Chapter for not in excess of the amount of actual tuition charges to be paid by the student to a school of veterinary medicine, provided such loan is used to defray the tuition of any such applicant at a school of veterinary medicine. Such a loan shall be made at such time, in such amounts, and in such increments as the commission shall determine and as shall be provided in the contract with the applicant as provided in this Chapter.
B. A student for whom a loan is made by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall be required to repay the full amount of the loan and interest thereon to the commission. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the commission shall forgive such a loan to the applicant in return for services rendered by the applicant by practicing his or her profession full time as a food animal veterinarian in the state of Louisiana. A portion of the loan equal to a year's tuition charges together with the interest thereon shall be forgiven for the student by the commission for each year the student practices as a food animal veterinarian in the state of Louisiana as provided in this Subsection.
Acts 2004, No. 809, §1, eff. July 12, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3042.64. Contract required; cancellation

RS 17:3042.64 - Contract required; cancellation
A. Before the commission makes a loan for an applicant, the applicant shall enter into a contract with the commission, agreeing to the terms and conditions upon which the loan shall be made, which contract shall include such terms and provisions as will carry out the full purpose and intent of this Chapter. The form for the contract shall be prepared and approved by the commission, shall be signed by such officer or employee of the commission as the commission shall designate, and shall be signed by the applicant.
B.(1) The obligation of the applicant to repay a loan pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall remain in effect until the applicant has repaid the loan and the interest thereon as provided in this Chapter or the commission has forgiven the loan, all in accordance with the terms of the contract with the applicant for the loan.
(2) Upon breach of any terms of the contract by the applicant, or for any cause deemed sufficient by the commission, the remaining amount of the loan paid to the applicant which the commission has not forgiven in return for service shall become due and payable by the applicant in accordance with the terms of the contract between the commission and the applicant, and the commission shall take all necessary steps to secure collection, up to and including referral to the attorney general for collection.
(3) The attorney general shall be responsible for collection of any balance due to the state from a participant for breach of a contract as required by this Section.
C. The commission is hereby vested with full and complete authority and power to sue in its own name any applicant for any balance due on a loan made by the commission.
Acts 2004, No. 809, §1, eff. July 12, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3042.65. Schools of veterinary medicine; contracts; cancellation

RS 17:3042.65 - Schools of veterinary medicine; contracts; cancellation
A. The commission may make inquiry of the schools of veterinary medicine of Louisiana and may make such arrangements and enter into such contracts or agreements with schools of veterinary medicine in the state as shall be appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Chapter. Such contracts and agreements shall include such provisions as shall be agreed upon by the commission and the school to provide for the administration by the school of loans made pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, including applications therefor and repayment thereof.
B. The commission shall have authority to cancel such contracts and agreements, which it may lawfully cancel, made with any of the schools of veterinary medicine as herein provided.
Acts 2004, No. 809, §1, eff. July 12, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045. Purpose

RS 17:3045 - Purpose
It is the purpose of this Chapter to assist middle income students in meeting the rising costs of higher education and thereby increase the educational opportunities of such students by providing low interest rate student loans to assist Louisiana students in furthering their higher education goals.
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045.1. Louisiana Opportunity Loan Program; creation; management

RS 17:3045.1 - Louisiana Opportunity Loan Program; creation; management
A. There is hereby created the Louisiana Opportunity Loan Program to provide low interest non-subsidized educational loans to students without having to meet an income requirement. Such loans may be referred to as "LA-OP Loans".
B. The program shall be administered and managed by the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission, referred to in this Chapter as "the commission".
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045.2. Louisiana Opportunity Loan Fund, creation

RS 17:3045.2 - Louisiana Opportunity Loan Fund, creation
A. There shall be established in the state treasury the Louisiana Opportunity Loan Fund, referred to herein as the "LA-OP Loan Fund".
B. Such funds as are made available for the Louisiana Opportunity Loan Program by donation from private sources shall be deposited immediately upon receipt into the state treasury. After compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, and prior to being placed in the state general fund, all of the earnings on the investment of monies in the LA-OP Loan Fund shall be credited to the LA-OP Loan Fund. The monies in this fund shall be used solely as provided in R.S. 17:3045.3 as appropriated by the legislature.
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991; Acts 1991, 3rd E.S., No. 3, §1, eff. Aug. 5, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045.3. Appropriation; procedure

RS 17:3045.3 - Appropriation; procedure
The commission may administer and manage all money, including any appropriation to the commission from the state general fund for the purpose of making loans pursuant to this Chapter, all interest made on loans pursuant to this Chapter and all principal repaid on loans that has been appropriated in whatever manner maximizes the amount of money available for LA-OP loans that is consistent with federal reinsurance requirements and state budget practices.
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991; Acts 1991, 3rd E.S., No. 3, §1, eff. Aug. 5, 1991; Acts 2012, No. 834, §2, eff. July 1, 2012.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045.4. Louisiana Financial Assistance Commission; duties

RS 17:3045.4 - Louisiana Financial Assistance Commission; duties
The commission shall:
(1) Serve as a direct lender of non-subsidized student loans.
(2) Accept and review each loan application.
(3) Determine the applicant's eligibility and continued eligibility.
(4) Collect any balance which may become due as the result of default on any loan, for which purpose the commission shall have all the same authority as they have for the guaranteed student loan program.
(5) Provide by rule for:
(a) A mechanism for informing students of the availability of the loans.
(b) The creation of all applications, forms, promissory notes, and other instruments necessary for the administration of the program.
(c) An interest rate, which rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate authorized by the Federal Higher Education Act of 1965.
(d) Any other items necessary for the administration of the program.
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045.5. Loan amounts

RS 17:3045.5 - Loan amounts
The annual and aggregate loan limits for each eligible student borrower shall be in accordance with those limits established for the Stafford Loan Program authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended.
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991; Acts 1991, 3rd E.S., No. 3, §1, eff. Aug. 5, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045.6. Eligibility requirements

RS 17:3045.6 - Eligibility requirements
Students desiring to receive a loan under the provisions of this Chapter shall meet all of the following requirements:
(1) Be a resident of Louisiana as defined by the commission.
(2) Be a United States citizen, national, or eligible permanent resident of the United States.
(3) Be enrolled full time at any state public postsecondary institution or any institution that is a member of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and be making satisfactory academic progress, or be accepted for initial enrollment at such institution.
(4) Not be in default on any other student loans or owe a refund to any financial aid program.
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991; Acts 1991, 3rd E.S., No. 3, §1, eff. Aug. 5, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045.7. Repayment of loans

RS 17:3045.7 - Repayment of loans
All repaid principal and interest resulting from repayment of a loan shall be credited to the commission for the commission's use in making further loans.
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991; Acts 1991, 3rd E.S., No. 3, §1, eff. Aug. 5, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3045.8. Loan funds; availability

RS 17:3045.8 - Loan funds; availability
The receipt of a LA-OP loan by an eligible borrower is subject to the availability of lending capital provided by appropriation.
Acts 1991, No. 799, §1, eff. July 22, 1991; Acts 1991, 3rd E.S., No. 3, §1, eff. Aug. 5, 1991; Acts 2012, No. 834, §2, eff. July 1, 2012.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3046. Louisiana GO Grant program; legislative findings

RS 17:3046 - Louisiana GO Grant program; legislative findings
A. The legislature finds that a college education should be available to all qualified students, regardless of their financial means, and declares that the Louisiana GO Grant program established by the Board of Regents has enhanced access to postsecondary educational opportunities for Louisiana students with demonstrated financial need by providing critically needed assistance to help cover the cost of attending postsecondary education institutions in the state. The legislature further finds that leveraging access to postsecondary education for students with demonstrated financial need ensures that all qualified students are afforded an opportunity to achieve their full educational potential, increase their overall quality of life, and maximize their contribution to the state's economic development.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter to the contrary, any public or private entity, including any nonprofit organization, may make a directed donation to any eligible postsecondary institution for a student who is a recipient of a Louisiana GO Grant.
Acts 2010, No. 655, §1, eff. June 29, 2010; Acts 2014, No. 778, §1, eff. July 1, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3046.1. Eligibility

RS 17:3046.1 - Eligibility
The Board of Regents shall provide for the participation of any student who meets the following requirements:
(1) Is a Louisiana resident at the time of application.
(2) Meets the admission requirements and is enrolled in a Louisiana public college or university or a regionally accredited independent college or university in the state that is a member of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, hereafter referred to collectively as "eligible colleges and universities".
(3) Is a recipient of a federal Pell Grant or has submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is a recipient of a financial need grant from an eligible college or university or any other need-based aid as determined by the Board of Regents.
(4) Is determined to have unmet needs with regards to the ability to pay the cost of attendance for the eligible college or university in which the student is enrolled.
(5) Maintains steady academic progress as defined by the Board of Regents for continued participation.
(6) Meets any other eligibility criteria the Board of Regents may require.
Acts 2010, No. 655, §1, eff. June 29, 2010.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3046.2. Administration; rulemaking authority

RS 17:3046.2 - Administration; rulemaking authority
A. The Board of Regents shall establish the criteria for initial and continuing eligibility, the method for determining the award amount, and other program requirements not otherwise provided in this Chapter.
B. The Board of Regents, through the office of student financial assistance, shall administer the program and shall adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this Chapter in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Acts 2010, No. 655, §1, eff. June 29, 2010; Acts 2019, No. 21, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3046.3. Private Scholarships

§3046.3 Private scholarships
A. Recognizing the success and growth of the Louisiana GO Grant program and in order to maintain the long-term financial stability of the program, private businesses, industry, foundations, charities, individuals and other groups may request from the division of administration that, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, they may create privately funded scholarship programs to make payments to eligible colleges and universities on behalf of individual students. If the division of administration were to approve a private scholarship program then any scholarship funds received by an eligible college or university from a private scholarship program on behalf of a student shall cause a reduction in the dollar amount of the grant award to the eligible college or university attributable to that student such that the grant award associated with that student shall be an amount that is equal to the dollar amount that the grant would have been if no such private scholarship funds had been received less the amount of private scholarship funds received by the eligible college or university on behalf of that student.
B. This Section shall in no way be interpreted in such a manner that a student could receive less benefits from a combination of the grants from the program and the private scholarship funded on his behalf then he would have received solely from the grant program if there had been no private scholarship funded on his behalf. Therefore, to the extent that any privately funded scholarship funds provided for in this Section made to an eligible college or university on behalf of a qualified student are for an amount less than the amount a given student would have otherwise received as a grant if no such private scholarship funds had been paid under this Section and the criteria established by the Board of Regents, then the eligible college or university shall receive that difference on behalf of the student as the student's grant from the Louisiana GO Grant program.
C. As provided in this Section, when an eligible college or university receives privately funded scholarship funds on behalf of a student, the state funds for the Louisiana GO Grant program shall be reduced by the amount of the private scholarship program funds so received. The commissioner of administration shall determine and specify the amount of the reduction from the source of the funds to provide the maximum benefit to the state from the privately funded scholarship program. The state treasurer shall deposit the amount of the reduction as specified by the commissioner of administration into the Overcollections Fund created in R. S. 39:100.21 and credit the deposit to an account within the fund hereby established and created to be known as the "Program Participation Savings Account".
Acts 2014, No. 778, §1, eff. July 1, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3046.4. Terminated July 9, 1998. See Acts 1992, No. 938, §1, and Acts 1995, No. 1296, §1.

3046.4 Terminated July 9, 1998. See Acts 1992, No. 938, §1, and Acts 1995, No. 1296, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3046.5. Terminated July 9, 1998. See Acts 1992, No. 938, §1, and Acts 1995, No. 1296, §1.

3046.5 Terminated July 9, 1998. See Acts 1992, No. 938, §1, and Acts 1995, No. 1296, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3047.3. Maintaining eligibility

RS 17:3047.3 - Maintaining eligibility
A. To maintain continued state payment of the award, once enrolled in a postsecondary education institution, an award recipient shall:
(1) Make steady academic progress as defined by the administering agency toward completion of the requirements of the qualified program, unless an exception for cause is granted by the administering agency.
(2) Remain in good academic standing at the postsecondary education institution while enrolled in a qualified program.
(3) Maintain continuous enrollment, unless granted an exception for cause by the administering agency. "Continuous enrollment" shall mean:
(a) Earn at least one shorter-term postsecondary education credential per year if enrolled in a qualified program below the associate degree level.
(b) Enroll in the fall and spring semester of each academic year if enrolled in a qualified program at the associate degree level.
(4) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 calculated on a 4.00 scale in a qualified program for which grades are issued.
(5)(a) Not be incarcerated.
(b) Have no conviction for any crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B).
(6) Have received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States Armed Forces, if separation occurs after becoming a recipient of the award.
(7) Have received the award for not more than three consecutive academic years, unless an extension is granted for cause by the administering agency in accordance with its rules.
(8) Have used the award to earn not more than sixty hours of academic credit.
(9) Repealed by Acts 2023, No. 287, §2, eff. June 12, 2023.
B. An award recipient who successfully completes a qualified program in less than three years shall be eligible to continue to receive the award, in accordance with the limitations as specified in this Chapter, for any remaining time of eligibility by enrolling in another qualified program and continuing to meet all academic and other established eligibility requirements provided pursuant to this Chapter and by rule of the administering agency.
C. If an award recipient previously received the award and enrolled in a program that is subsequently determined to no longer meet the criteria as a qualified program, the award recipient may continue to use the award to continue in the program as long as all other continuing eligibility requirements are met.
Acts 2021, No. 457, §1, eff. June 23, 2021; Acts 2023, No. 287, §2, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3047.4. Funding

RS 17:3047.4 - Funding
A. The administering agency may seek, accept, and expend funds from any source, including private business, industry, foundations, and other groups, as well as any available federal or other governmental funding.
B. If the available funding is not sufficient to fully fund all eligible award recipients, awards shall be provided first to previous award recipients who have met all requirements for maintaining the award and who are continuing in a qualified program for which they previously received the award and then next to all eligible students enrolled in a program as funds are available.
C.(1) Implementation of the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to the appropriation of funds by the legislature.
(2) State appropriations for the program shall not exceed ten million five hundred thousand dollars per year for students enrolled in public postsecondary education institutions or proprietary schools.
D.(1) The "M.J. Foster Promise Program Fund", referred to in this Chapter as the "fund", is hereby created within the state treasury for the purpose of providing for the financial assistance awards and administration of the M.J. Foster Promise Program.
(2) The sources of monies deposited into the fund shall be legislative appropriations, federal grants, gifts, and donations received by the state for purposes of this Chapter. Monies in the fund shall be subject to appropriation by the legislature and shall be available exclusively for use by the Board of Regents, through the office of student financial assistance, for the M.J. Foster Promise Program.
(3) The administering agency shall adopt regulations and guidelines for the distribution and allocation of monies appropriated to the administering agency which shall be initially subject to approval by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.
(4) All unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the fund and be available for appropriation the next fiscal year. The monies shall be invested by the treasurer in the same manner as monies in the state general fund, and all interest earned shall be credited to the fund following compliance with the requirements of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund.
E. The costs for administering and promoting the program shall be paid from the funds appropriated for the program pursuant to this Section. Administrative and promotional costs shall not exceed five percent of the monies appropriated to the administering agency for the M.J. Foster Promise Program.
Acts 2021, No. 457, §1, eff. June 23, 2021; Acts 2023, No. 101, §1, eff. June 6, 2023; Acts 2023, No. 287, §1, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3047.5. Administering agency

RS 17:3047.5 - Administering agency
A. The program provided pursuant to this Chapter shall be administered by the Board of Regents through the office of student financial assistance.
B. The administering agency shall adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of this Chapter including the following:
(1) A mechanism for informing residents of the availability of the award.
(2) Financial audit procedures, program audit procedures, and other matters related to the efficient operation of the program.
(3) Applications, forms, timelines, deadlines, guidelines, policies, procedure, including timelines and deadlines for receipt by the administering agency of any required information.
(4) Notification to all appropriate public postsecondary education and proprietary school personnel of any changes in law or agency rules relative to the program no later than sixty days after such change.
Acts 2021, No. 457, §1, eff. June 23, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3047.6. Coordination with other agencies

RS 17:3047.6 - Coordination with other agencies
A. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the administering agency shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Children and Family Services and the Louisiana Department of Health to share information relative to an individual's qualification for certain aid or governmental benefits. Any information shared or furnished shall be held confidential by the administering agency and shall be reported in the aggregate only and contain no personally identifiable information.
B. Notwithstanding R.S. 47:1508 or any other law to the contrary, the administering agency shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Revenue and the Louisiana Workforce Commission to share information relative to a taxpayer's reported income, residency, and employment information for purposes of generating data related to the success of award recipients in the workforce. Any information shared or furnished shall be held confidential by the administering agency and shall be reported in the aggregate only and contain no personally identifiable information.
C. The administering agency shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to share information relative to a person's criminal history in order to determine award eligibility and to collect data relative to the recidivism rates of scholarship recipients. Any information shared or furnished shall be held confidential by the administering agency, shall be reported in the aggregate only, and shall contain no personally identifiable information.
Acts 2021, No. 457, §1, eff. June 23, 2021; Acts 2022, No. 374, §1; Acts 2023, No. 287, §1, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3047.7. Reporting system; implementation; requirements; applicability; participation by eligible institutions

RS 17:3047.7 - Reporting system; implementation; requirements; applicability; participation by eligible institutions
A.(1) The administering agency shall develop and implement a uniform information reporting system for the purposes of policy analysis and program evaluation and for providing accurate data and statistics to the legislature, the governor, appropriate executive branch agencies, and the public relative to the effectiveness of the award provided pursuant to this Chapter.
(2) The reporting system shall include data on all award recipients. The number and percentage of students enrolled in each program shall be provided and shall stipulate whether each program is a credit hour program or non-credit hour program and include information on the number of credit hours required for each credit hour program, the length of each non-credit hour program, and the costs of each program.
(3) Compliance with the requirements of the information reporting system shall be a condition for a postsecondary education institution to remain eligible to receive payments from the state on behalf of an award recipient. Compliance determinations shall be made annually by the administering agency.
B. The information reporting system shall include the following:
(1) The mean length of time required for award recipients to complete a qualified program as compared to other completers of the program who did not receive the award.
(2)(a) Demographic information of award recipients, including age, race, gender, and household income.
(b) The number and percentage of recipients who were determined to be participating in programs that do not qualify for federal student aid, as well as the number and percentage of those determined ineligible for federal student aid, and the number and percentage of those determined to be unable to complete federal student financial aid applications due to extenuating circumstances.
(3) Pre- and post-award employment information, including employment status, annual wages, and employer's industry sector.
(4) Recidivism rates of award recipients.
C. The administering agency shall, with the cooperation and assistance of the state's public two-year postsecondary education institutions and proprietary schools, annually query each first-time award recipient to determine the extent receiving the award influenced the recipient's decision to enroll in postsecondary education.
D. Not later than December first of each year, the administering agency shall submit a written report including all of the information required by this Section for the preceding academic year to the Senate Committee on Education and the House Committee on Education.
E. All information reported pursuant to this Section shall be reported in the aggregate only and shall contain no personally identifiable information.
Acts 2021, No. 457, §1, eff. June 23, 2021; Acts 2022, No. 374, §1; Acts 2023, No. 287, §1, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3048.1. Repealed by Acts 2015, No. 227, §3.

RS 17:3048.1 - Repealed by Acts 2015, No. 227, §3.
NOTE: See Acts 2015, No. 227, §4, relative to R.S. 17:3048.1(A)(1)(a)(i), (ii), and (iii)(ee)(III) and (S)(1) through (3) as repealed by Act No. 227 remaining in effect for students, if applicable.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3048.2. Repealed by Acts 2015, No. 227, §3.

RS 17:3048.2 - Repealed by Acts 2015, No. 227, §3.
NOTE: See Acts 2015, No. 227, §4, relative to R.S. 17:3048.2(D) and (G) remaining in effect for students if applicable.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3050.1. Purpose

RS 17:3050.1 - Purpose
It is the purpose of this Chapter to encourage and assist those students who graduate from the Louisiana National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe Program to continue their education and enhance their skills by providing for tuition at an eligible Louisiana postsecondary institution.
Acts 2003, No. 826, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2019, No. 402, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3050.3. Administration

RS 17:3050.3 - Administration
The GO-Youth ChalleNGe Program shall be under the administration of the Board of Regents, through the office of student financial assistance, which shall adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Chapter.
Acts 2003, No. 826, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2019, No. 402, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3050.4. Funding

RS 17:3050.4 - Funding
A. The legislature annually shall appropriate to the administering agency funds which, together with any other funds available, are sufficient to cover the grants awarded by the state pursuant to this Chapter and the cost of administering the program.
B. All tuition grants shall be paid by the administering agency directly to the institution to which such tuition is due after notice to the institution that the state shall pay, on behalf of the qualifying student, the applicable amount stipulated in this Chapter, and after notice from the institution, that the student has actually enrolled.
C. The administering agency may seek, accept, and expend funds from any source, including private business, industry, foundations, and other groups as well as any federal or other governmental funding available for this purpose.
D. Implementation of the GO-Youth ChalleNGe Program shall be subject to the availability of funds for this purpose.
Acts 2003, No. 826, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2019, No. 402, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3050.11. Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (H.E.R.O.) Fund

RS 17:3050.11 - Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (H.E.R.O.) Fund
A. There is hereby established in the state treasury a special fund, to be known as the Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (H.E.R.O.) Fund, referred to in this Chapter as the "fund". The fund shall consist of monies received by legislative appropriation and from grants and donations. Deposits into the fund shall comply with the provisions of Article VII, Section 9(B) of the Constitution of Louisiana relative to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund.
B. Monies in the fund shall be invested by the state treasurer in the same manner as monies in the state general fund, and interest earned on the investment of monies in the fund shall be credited to the fund. All unexpended and unencumbered monies in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall remain in the fund.
C.(1) Subject to legislative appropriation and the approval of the Board of Regents, the Louisiana Health Works Commission is hereby authorized and directed to determine how monies in the fund are allocated and expended through a multi-year plan, solely and exclusively for the following purposes and in the following priorities:
(a) Meet the current and growing employment demands for nursing and allied health professionals by increasing the capacity of nursing and allied health training programs through supporting initiatives such as increasing faculty positions and clinical preceptors in nursing and allied health schools.
(b) Support the nursing and allied health professions by providing incentives that financially support student financial stipends and tuition forgiveness contingent upon employment in Louisiana healthcare facilities or nursing or allied health schools.
(c) Provide incentives for nursing and allied healthcare professionals to practice in Louisiana with an emphasis on medically underserved areas of the state.
(2) Monies in the fund shall not be used for construction, maintenance, repair, or improvement of structures.
D. On or before October first of each year, the Louisiana Health Works Commission shall submit a plan of fund allocation to the Board of Regents.
E. The Board of Regents shall submit a comprehensive annual report to the Senate Committee on Finance, the House Committee on Appropriations, the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, and the House Committee on Health and Welfare no later than sixty days after the end of the state fiscal year in which the monies were appropriated.
F. The provisions of this Section shall terminate on July 1, 2026, or when all of the monies in the fund have been expended, whichever occurs first. Any monies remaining in the fund on July 1, 2026, shall be transferred by the state treasurer to the state general fund.
Acts 2021, No. 109, §1; Acts 2022, No. 374, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3083. ABLE account program; creation; purpose; legislative intent

RS 17:3083 - ABLE account program; creation; purpose; legislative intent
A. The ABLE account program is hereby created and shall be administered by the authority to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds for the purpose of supporting persons with disabilities in endeavors to maintain health, independence, and quality of life. The authority shall administer the program in consultation with the advisory council.
B. The purposes of the program include all of the following:
(1) To pay qualified disability expenses so that persons with disabilities may maintain health, independence, and quality of life.
(2) To provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the medical assistance program administered by this state in accordance with Title XIX of the Social Security Act, the supplemental security income program under Title XVI of such Act, the beneficiary's employment, and other sources.
(3) To comply fully with all provisions of the ABLE Act and all regulations issued pursuant thereto.
C.(1) It is the intention of the legislature that the program shall be a qualified ABLE program as defined in Section 529A of the federal Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Any provision of this Chapter determined to be in conflict with any requirement of the Internal Revenue Code as applicable to a qualified ABLE program shall be superseded by such code provision to the extent necessary to assure that the program continues to meet requirements for tax-advantaged status in accordance with the code's definition of a qualified ABLE program.
(2) Any requirement of this Chapter determined to be more restrictive than the requirements of the federal Internal Revenue Code as applicable to a qualified ABLE program may be modified by the authority through rules promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to conform with code requirements.
Acts 2016, No. 604, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3085. Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority; powers relative to the administration of the program

RS 17:3085 - Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority; powers relative to the administration of the program
In addition to any other powers conferred by this Chapter, the authority may do any of the following:
(1) Purchase insurance from insurers licensed to do business in this state providing for coverage against any loss in connection with the authority's property, assets, or activities or to further ensure the value of ABLE accounts.
(2) Indemnify or purchase policies on behalf of members, officers, and employees of the authority from insurers licensed to do business in this state providing for coverage for any liability incurred in connection with any civil action, demand, or claim against a director, officer, or employee by reason of an act or omission by the director, officer, or employee that was not manifestly outside the scope of his employment or official duties or with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.
(3) Make, execute, and deliver contracts, conveyances, and other instruments necessary to the exercise and discharge of the powers and duties of the authority.
(4) Promote, advertise, and publicize the program.
(5) Solicit, accept, and expend gifts or grants.
Acts 2016, No. 604, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3086. ABLE account funds; investment

RS 17:3086 - ABLE account funds; investment
The state treasurer shall invest monies deposited in the ABLE accounts in the same manner as prescribed by R.S. 17:3091 et seq. for the investment of monies deposited in START Program accounts. Funds in ABLE accounts shall be invested in such investment options and subject to the same requirements and limitations for funds deposited in START Program accounts provided in R.S. 17:3091 et seq., except as otherwise provided in this Chapter.
Acts 2016, No. 604, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3087. ABLE account funds; treatment under certain federal assistance programs

RS 17:3087 - ABLE account funds; treatment under certain federal assistance programs
In accordance with Section 103 of Title I of Division B of Public Law 113-295, for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive, or the amount of, any assistance or benefit authorized to be provided to or for the benefit of a designated beneficiary by a means-tested federal assistance program, the following amounts shall be disregarded for such purpose with respect to any period during which the beneficiary maintains, makes contributions to, or receives distributions from an ABLE account:
(1) Any amount, including earnings thereon, in the ABLE account of the designated beneficiary.
(2) Any contributions to the ABLE account of the designated beneficiary.
(3) Any distribution from the ABLE account for a qualified disability expense.
Acts 2016, No. 604, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3088. Amounts deposited in ABLE accounts; Louisiana income tax; tax table income

RS 17:3088 - Amounts deposited in ABLE accounts; Louisiana income tax; tax table income
For tax years beginning on and after January 1, 2016, amounts deposited in an ABLE account on behalf of any designated beneficiary may be excluded from tax table income for purposes of Louisiana income tax if authorized by the provisions of R.S. 47:293(9)(a).
Acts 2016, No. 604, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3088.1. ABLE accounts of deceased designated beneficiary; termination; transfer of monies; prohibited actions

RS 17:3088.1 - ABLE accounts of deceased designated beneficiary; termination; transfer of monies; prohibited actions
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, when a designated beneficiary dies, the program account established on his behalf shall be terminated. Monies remaining in the account, after payment of all of the designated beneficiary's qualified disability expenses defined in this Chapter, may be transferred as specified by the account's owner to either another ABLE program account permitted by Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code or to the estate of the designated beneficiary.
B. If the program account of a deceased designated beneficiary does not specify where monies remaining in the account are to be transferred, the remaining monies shall be deposited in the Disability Services Fund separate account established by R.S. 28:826(B)(2)(d) to be appropriated and used as provided in R.S. 28:826(C)(1)(c).
C. The state shall not file a claim for payment under Subsection (f) of Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code or seek recovery of any amount remaining in the program account of a deceased designated beneficiary for payments made for qualified disability expenses.
Acts 2023, No. 96, §1, eff. June 6, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 17 - Education › §17:3089. ABLE Account Advisory Council; creation; powers

RS 17:3089 - ABLE Account Advisory Council; creation; powers
A. There is hereby created the ABLE Account Advisory Council, which shall advise and consult with the authority relative to the authority's administration of and adoption of rules pertaining to the program.
B. The membership of the advisory council shall consist of the following persons:
(1) The chairperson of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council or his designee.
(2) The executive director of the governor's office of disability affairs or his designee.
(3) The executive director of The Arc of Louisiana or his designee.
(4) The executive director of People First of Louisiana or his designee.
(5) A person with a disability selected by the executive director of People First of Louisiana.
(6) A parent or family member of a person with a disability selected by the chairperson of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council.
(7) One member who is affiliated with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services or the Disability Program Navigator Initiative, or any successors of these, appointed by the secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
(8) An officer of a bank in Louisiana who is a member of the Louisiana Bankers Association and who is nominated by the association.
(9) One member of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker.
(10) One member of the Senate appointed by the president.
(11) The state treasurer.
C. The advisory council shall meet at least annually at the call of the chairman and at such other times as the chairman or the advisory council determines necessary. The advisory council may establish and delegate to an executive committee such duties and responsibilities as the authority determines appropriate.
D. A majority of the advisory council shall constitute a quorum of the advisory council, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present shall be necessary for any action taken by the advisory council. A majority of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum of the executive committee, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the executive committee members present shall be necessary for any action taken by the executive committee. No vacancy in the membership of the advisory council or the executive committee shall impair the rights of a quorum to exercise all rights and perform all duties of the advisory council or the executive committee respectively.
Acts 2016, No. 604, §1.