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Bill

HB 373

SCHOOLS/HIGH SCHOOL: Requires the Workforce Investment Council to perform an annual return on investment analysis relative to industry-based credentials earned in high school and provides for student data collection and sharing for this purpose (EN NO IMPACT FF EX See Note)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham and 23 co-sponsors

Louisiana requires annual workforce ROI analyses of high school industry credentials using student data to measure employment and earnings outcomes.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 187.
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Bill Summary · HB 373

Legislative bill overview

HB 373 requires Louisiana's Workforce Investment Council to conduct annual return on investment (ROI) analyses for industry-based credentials earned by high school students. The bill establishes a framework for collecting and sharing student data to track whether credential programs deliver measurable economic benefits to graduates.

Why is this important

High schools increasingly offer industry certifications and credentials (welding, IT, healthcare, etc.) as alternatives or complements to traditional academics. This bill creates accountability by measuring whether these programs actually improve student employment outcomes and earnings—data that can guide future education funding and program decisions. It also addresses the growing need to connect secondary education with workforce readiness in Louisiana.

Potential points of contention

  • Student privacy concerns: Requires data collection and sharing on students; implementation details on privacy safeguards and data retention periods are not specified in the bill summary
  • Measurement challenges: ROI analyses can be difficult to conduct accurately; defining "return," accounting for external factors, and attributing outcomes solely to credentials vs. other variables presents methodological complexity
  • Resource demands: Annual ROI studies require ongoing funding, staffing, and coordination between education and workforce agencies; costs and sustainability may not be fully addressed
  • Program variability: Different credentials have vastly different labor market values; aggregated analyses may obscure whether some programs genuinely prepare students or should be discontinued

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

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