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House Education committee backs bill to restore TOPS‑Tech eligibility for Louisiana veterans
Summary
The committee voted to report SB 105 favorably; the measure would restore TOPS‑Tech eligibility for honorably discharged veterans domiciled in Louisiana for at least one year and use existing TOPS funds rather than new appropriations.
Sen. Cathy told the House Education Committee SB 105 seeks to reinstate a TOPS‑Tech eligibility pathway for honorably discharged Louisiana veterans who have been domiciled in the state for at least one year. The sponsor said the provision previously existed as a pilot with a three‑year sunset and that the sunset had lapsed; the bill would reinstate the program to expand workforce pipelines by making veterans eligible for TOPS‑Tech awards to attend community colleges.
“Who better to do that than veterans because they've had to do it their entire career?” Sen. Cathy said, arguing veterans exhibit punctuality, work ethic and readiness for many workforce roles. Committee members asked whether the measure requires new appropriations; Sen. Cathy said the scholarships would come from existing TOPS funds and would not add new general‑fund dollars.
After brief questions and two written support entries, Rep. Carver moved to report SB 105 favorably; the motion passed with no objections and the committee reported the bill.
