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Bill

HB 372

CURRICULA: Provides relative to computer science as a high school graduation requirement (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Hughes

Louisiana requires all high school students to complete computer science course for graduation, effective August 2025, to build digital workforce skills statewide.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 268.
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Bill Summary · HB 372

Legislative bill overview

HB 372 establishes computer science as a high school graduation requirement in Louisiana, effective August 1, 2025. The bill mandates that students complete a computer science course to earn a high school diploma, joining a growing number of states implementing similar requirements.

Why is this important

Computer science skills are increasingly essential for workforce competitiveness and economic opportunity in the digital economy. This requirement ensures all Louisiana high school graduates have foundational exposure to coding, algorithms, and computational thinking regardless of college or career path, potentially closing skill gaps in the state's tech sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource burden on schools: Districts must hire qualified computer science teachers and develop curriculum infrastructure, with fiscal notes suggesting potential implementation costs
  • Equity and access gaps: Rural and underfunded schools may struggle to offer quality programs, potentially creating disparities in educational quality
  • One-size-fits-all criticism: Critics may argue that a universal requirement limits flexibility for students pursuing non-technical paths and crowds already-packed graduation requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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