All Roll Calls
Yes: 395 • No: 3
LouisianaHB 772025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
TOPS: Adds the Excellence award level for students who score 31 or higher on the ACT and allows award qualification based on the Classic Learning Test (EN +$3,012,092 SG EX See Note)
Sponsored By: Christopher Turner (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Education
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
College expense payments for Guard students
Students in Louisiana’s National Guard tuition-exemption program receive education payments when they also qualify for the TOPS Excellence Award. They receive $300 per semester for books and learning materials, plus $1,000 for other education costs. That totals $1,300 per semester, or $2,600 for two semesters.
New tuition award for high-achieving students
Louisiana’s new TOPS Excellence Award covers students graduating in the 2024-2025 school year or later. Students need a 3.50 high school GPA, required core courses, and an ACT score of at least 31 or an equivalent qualifying score. Annual payments cover applicable tuition and fees up to $12,000 at Louisiana public colleges or $8,500 at qualifying independent colleges. Independent colleges must belong to the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and have accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Support lasts up to eight semesters or equivalent units, unless extended.
Another test option for college aid
Students graduating in the 2024-2025 school year or later can use Classic Learning Test scores to qualify for TOPS. This option covers Opportunity, Performance, Honors, TOPS-Tech, and Excellence awards. Students must meet the score required for their award. Students using the specified home-study route must meet an extra one- or two-point score requirement, depending on the award.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Christopher Turner
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Barbara Reich Freiberg
Republican • House
Cameron Henry
Republican • Senate
Roy Daryl Adams
Democratic • House
Dodie Horton
Republican • House
Francis C. Thompson
Republican • House
Franklin J. Foil
Republican • Senate
Gerald Boudreaux
Democratic • Senate
John R. Illg Jr.
Republican • House
Joseph Bouie
Affiliation unavailable
Katrina R. Jackson-Andrews
Democratic • Senate
Larry A. Bagley
Republican • House
Laurie Schlegel
Republican • House
R. Dewith Carrier
Republican • House
Regina Barrow
Democratic • Senate
Rhonda Gaye Butler
Republican • House
Shane Mack
Republican • House
Stephanie H. Berault
Republican • House
Tehmi Jahi Chassion
Democratic • House
Timothy P. Kerner
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/12/2025
Conference Committee Report read; adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays.
Yes: 37 • No: 0
House vote • 6/12/2025
Conference Committee Report read, roll called, yeas 99, nays 0. The Conference Committee Report was adopted.
Yes: 99 • No: 0
House vote • 6/9/2025
Read by title, roll called, yeas 99, nays 0, Senate amendments rejected, conference committee appointment pending.
Yes: 99 • No: 0
Senate vote • 6/8/2025
Rules suspended. The amended bill was read by title, passed by a vote of 39 yeas and 0 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.
Yes: 39 • No: 0
House vote • 5/19/2025
Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 92, nays 3. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.
Yes: 92 • No: 3
House vote • 5/13/2025
Reported with amendments
Yes: 18 • No: 0
House vote • 4/16/2025
Reported with amendments
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 347.
6/20/2025HouseEffective date: See Act.
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor for executive approval.
6/16/2025HouseConference Committee report received. Lies over under the rules.
6/12/2025HouseRules suspended.
6/12/2025HouseConference Committee Report read, roll called, yeas 99, nays 0. The Conference Committee Report was adopted.
6/12/2025HouseNotice House adopted the Conference Committee Report.
6/12/2025SenateConference Committee Report read; adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays.
6/12/2025SenateNotice of Senate adoption of Conference Committee Report.
6/12/2025HouseEnrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.
6/12/2025HouseSigned by the President of the Senate.
6/12/2025SenateSenate conference committee members appointed: Edmonds, Jenkins, and Womack.
6/11/2025SenateNotice of Senate conferees appointed.
6/11/2025HouseHouse conferees appointed: Turner, Schlegel, and Bourriaque.
6/10/2025HouseNotice House Conference Committee members appointed.
6/10/2025SenateRead by title, roll called, yeas 99, nays 0, Senate amendments rejected, conference committee appointment pending.
6/9/2025HouseNotice House rejected the Senate amendments.
6/9/2025SenateRules suspended. The amended bill was read by title, passed by a vote of 39 yeas and 0 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.
6/8/2025SenateReceived from the Senate with amendments.
6/8/2025HouseScheduled for concurrence on 06/09/2025.
6/8/2025HouseReported with amendments. Rules suspended. Committee amendments read and adopted. Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.
6/4/2025SenateReported without Legislative Bureau amendments. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage.
6/4/2025SenateSenate Committee amendments read and adopted.
6/1/2025SenateRead by title. Recommitted to the Committee on Finance.
6/1/2025SenateReported with amendments.
5/29/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
Introduced
Reengrossed
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