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Military affairs absorbs GOSEP; Guard warns of potential federal cuts for youth programs and funds Safe Schools software

Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget ยท February 10, 2026

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Summary

GOSEP will be budgetarily merged into the Department of Military Affairs for FY'7; military officials highlighted readiness, youth programs and contingency plans after notice of proposed federal cuts to the youth challenge program; GOSEP Safe Schools SecureSoft (OutReach) tool would cost up to $10 million through 2029 for statewide behavioral-threat assessments.

Senate Fiscal and military department witnesses told the committee that Act 262 (2025) moves the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOSEP) budget into the Department of Military Affairs for FY'7. Chaz Nichols said combined fiscal units will show GOSEP and Military Affairs together, and that the consolidated unit will be driven heavily by federal funds, FEMA reimbursements and the water sector fund.

Brigadier General Michael Greer and other military officials described how the consolidation is intended to strengthen command, improve coordination and create staff efficiencies for state emergency response. Greer highlighted ongoing federal deployments, in-state security missions and the Louisiana National Guard's youth programs (youth challenge, jobs challenge, STARBASE).

Greer warned the committee that the National Guard Bureau had notified the department of a proposed first cut to the youth challenge program (~$800,000'$900,000). He said the Guard is negotiating and developing contingency plans, including potential state funding substitutions and partnerships with DCFS and OJJ to sustain program capacity if federal dollars decline.

On school safety, military/GOSEP representatives discussed the Safe Schools initiative, specifically a behavioral threat assessment tool named "OutReach" (SecureSoft) to identify concerning student behavior. The department said a recurring appropriation would fund a purchase order through 2029 with a total contract cost of $10 million, intended to cover software, training and statewide implementation across approximately 1,800 schools and more than 860,000 students.

Committee members asked for details on funding streams and how Safe Schools grants and other GOSEP programs will be absorbed by Military Affairs; military officials said some GOSEP programs will continue functioning but with altered administrative oversight.