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HR 175

TOPS: Requests that the Board of Regents, in consultation with Louisiana Works, study potential changes to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) with respect to the TOPS-Tech award

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ed Larvadain

The bill urges a formal study on modifying TOPS-Tech to expand costs, eligibility, apprenticeships, and ROI tracking, with a report by March 1, 2027.

Read by title. Lies over under the rules.
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Bill Summary · HR 175

Summary of Bill HR 175 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Title

TOPS: Requests that the Board of Regents, in consultation with Louisiana Works, study potential changes to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) with respect to the TOPS-Tech award

Purpose and Intent

  • To urge and request a formal study by state education authorities on possible modifications to the TOPS-Tech award.
  • The study should assess how TOPS-Tech could be adjusted to better support postsecondary training and workforce development in Louisiana.
  • A written report detailing findings, conclusions, and any legislative recommendations must be submitted to the House Committee on Education by March 1, 2027.

Key Provisions to be Studied (as specified in the resolution)

The study must consider, at minimum, the following areas:

  1. Eligibility determination

    • Explore the possibility that eligible programs for which a student may use a TOPS-Tech award could be determined by Louisiana Works (the state agency focused on workforce development and employment services).

  2. Coverage of costs

    • Assess whether the TOPS-Tech award could cover fees in addition to tuition, expanding beyond just tuition to include other education-related costs.

  3. Alternative initial eligibility

    • Evaluate options for alternative initial eligibility requirements for students who are participating in certain apprenticeships or who are employed by certain workforce providers.

  4. Outcomes and return on investment

    • Consider mechanisms to track program completion, employment placement, earnings outcomes, and other measures of return on investment (ROI) from TOPS-Tech participation.

Process and Timeline

  • The Board of Regents is to conduct the study in consultation with Louisiana Works.
  • A written report with findings, conclusions, and any legislative recommendations must be submitted to the House Committee on Education no later than March 1, 2027.
  • The resolution was read by title and lies over under the rules as of the action on April 20, 2026.

Who Would Be Affected

  • TOPS-eligible students pursuing postsecondary education or training that could be funded by TOPS-Tech.
  • Institutions and programs offering TOPS-Tech-eligible training.
  • Louisiana Board of Regents (lead coordinating body) and Louisiana Works (consultative partner).
  • The House Committee on Education as the reporting and oversight body.

Practical Implications

  • If passed, the study could lead to changes in program eligibility, broadened cost coverage (tuition plus fees), more flexible eligibility for apprenticeships/workforce-based trainees, and enhanced tracking of outcomes to measure ROI.
  • Potential policy changes could inform future legislation or administrative actions to modify TOPS-Tech criteria and funding structure.

Notable Facts

  • Sponsored by Rep. Ed Larvadain (co-sponsor listed).
  • No substantive amendments or fiscal appropriations are specified in the resolution itself; it directs a study and a report.
  • Affected stakeholders would include students, higher education institutions, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development agencies.

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

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