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SB 105

TOPS: Provides relative to TOPS eligibility. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 20 co-sponsors

The bill makes TOPS-Tech eligibility for certain Louisiana veterans depend on DD-214 service verification instead of ACT/SAT/WorkKeys scores.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 355.
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Bill Summary · SB 105

Legislative Bill Summary — Louisiana

SB 105 (Session 2026) — TOPS: Provides relative to TOPS eligibility for certain veterans

Jurisdiction: Louisiana
Sponsor: Senator Cathey (Co-sponsor: Stewart Cathey)
Status: Engrossed; effective August 1, 2026

1) Purpose and Intent

  • To modify eligibility criteria for the TOPS-Tech Award under the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) for certain military veterans.
  • Specifically, the bill removes some academic-performance prerequisites and replaces them with a military verification process, expanding or clarifying eligibility for veterans who were honorably discharged from a Louisiana-based U.S. military installation.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

a) Effective period of prior law

  • Retains the general concept of TOPS-Tech eligibility for certain veterans but removes the temporary (sunset) years previously applied to 2020–2023 academic years.
  • In short: the prior temporary eligibility window is no longer limited; the provision is made permanent.

b) Eligibility criteria (new standard)

  • Current law prior to this bill: To qualify for TOPS-Tech, a veteran generally needed one of the following test benchmarks (ACT, SAT concordant value, or ACT WorkKeys silver level or higher) and to provide a DD Form 214.
  • This bill changes the verification mechanism:
    • Replaces the specific test-score requirement (ACT/SAT/WorkKeys) with a requirement that the eligible veteran provide a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to verify qualifying military service.
    • The implication is that service verification, rather than standardized test scores, becomes the primary criterion for establishing TOPS-Tech eligibility under this provision.

c) Documentation

  • Required documentation now explicitly includes:
    • DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to verify qualifying military service.
  • The law emphasizes military service verification as the key proof of eligibility for the TOPS-Tech Award under this provision.

d) Scope of use

  • Applies to individuals who were honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces from a military installation in Louisiana (as in current law).
  • The provision continues to focus on veterans with a Louisiana-based installation, qualifying for TOPS-Tech Award eligibility through military service verification.

3) Who Is Affected

  • Eligible military veterans who were honorably discharged from a U.S. Armed Forces branch at a Louisiana-based installation.
  • These veterans seeking the TOPS-Tech Award will provide DD Form 214 as evidence of qualifying service, instead of meeting ACT/SAT/WorkKeys score thresholds.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: August 1, 2026.
  • The amendment amends and reenacts the introductory paragraph of R.S. 17:5029(E)(1) and section 5029(E)(1)(d).
  • The bill removes the prior years 2020–2023 academic-year applicability, making the approach current and ongoing beyond those years.
  • Legislative history shows standard committee and floor actions in 2026, culminating in passage and transmission to the House.

5) Practical Implications

  • Simplifies or changes proof of eligibility by prioritizing military service verification over standardized test scores for the TOPS-Tech Award eligibility path.
  • Potentially broadens access for some veteran students who may not meet the specific ACT/SAT/WorkKeys benchmarks but can demonstrate qualifying service via DD-214.
  • Schools and the TOPS administration will rely on DD Form 214 as the primary verification document for this portion of TOPS-Tech eligibility.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison table of the old vs. new requirements, or summarize potential fiscal considerations (e.g., any anticipated impact on TOPS-tech funding).

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

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