Committee clears bill to align TOPS ACT requirement for home-study students

House Bill 378, read into the record, would change alternative eligibility requirements in the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) for students who complete approved home-study programs. Representative Wilder told the committee that under current practice "home school students are required to score 2 points higher than public or private school students," and the bill "aims to eliminate that double standard."

Wilder said the bill is supported by the Department of Education (Dr. Brumley), the governor’s office (Dr. Kingham) and the Louisiana Family Forum; she also noted it passed the House floor 89–6. Senator Jackson Andrews moved to report the bill favorably; the committee recorded no objections and HB378 was reported favorably.

The read-in indicates the bill amends Title 17 (the Education Code) to provide for lower minimum ACT scores for certain home-study students seeking initial TOPS awards. The transcript includes a note that the committee received some emails in opposition and a signed petition; Wilder said she would reach out to the Louisiana Homeschool Network and homeschool supporters to share information before floor action.