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LouisianaSB 5222026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

SCHOOLS: Provides for approval for charter schools that specialize in vocational and technical education to meet workforce demands for high demand and high wage jobs. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Sponsored By: Rick Edmonds (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Education

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Preferred school seats for sector-connected families

Beginning August 1, 2026, Louisiana career-training charters can reserve up to 50% of their maximum enrollment for eligible families. Students qualify when a parent or legal guardian works in the supported economic sector or lives within its designated area. The commerce board defines the sector, and the charter agreement sets enrollment caps, the reserved share, and preference duration. The preference can override geographic or other enrollment rules, but cannot displace students already enrolled when it is approved. Other enrollment still follows charter-school law.

Businesses can help lead career schools

Beginning August 1, 2026, Louisiana career-training charter agreements can add industry seats to governing or management boards, including by amendment. Representatives must work for, be retired from, or have served as an officer or director of a supported-sector business. Officers, board members, and employees of entities identified in R.S. 18:1505.2(L)(3) cannot hold these seats. Businesses located in the supported sector can sign agreements specifying support such as internships, career counseling, tutoring, or enrichment. Business participation is optional, and the law sets no payment amount.

New state approval route for career schools

Beginning August 1, 2026, Louisiana career-training charter applicants can apply directly to the state education board for Type 2 status. Applications need a State Board of Commerce and Industry resolution, approved by majority vote, naming the supported sector and needed training. Applications must explain alignment with high-demand, high-wage jobs or STAR Jobs and set school and specialty-program enrollment caps. The sector cannot be created to train students for corporations identified in R.S. 18:1505.2(L)(3). This route does not guarantee charter approval or provide household payments.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rick Edmonds

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Barbara Reich Freiberg

    Republican • House

  • Beryl Amedée

    Republican • House

  • Charles Owen

    Republican • House

  • Doyle Boudreaux

    Republican • House

  • Gary Carter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lauren Ventrella

    Republican • House

  • Michael Robert Bayham Jr.

    Republican • House

  • Raymond J. Crews

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 135 • No: 3

House vote • 5/13/2026

Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 89, nays 2. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

Yes: 89 • No: 2

House vote • 5/6/2026

Reported favorably

Yes: 9 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/15/2026

Read by title, passed by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays, and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 393.

    5/22/2026Senate

  2. Effective date 8/1/2026.

    5/22/2026Senate

  3. Sent to the Governor by the Secretary of the Senate.

    5/20/2026Senate

  4. Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.

    5/19/2026Senate

  5. Signed by the Speaker of the House.

    5/19/2026House

  6. Received from the House without amendments.

    5/18/2026Senate

  7. Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 89, nays 2. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

    5/13/2026House

  8. Scheduled for floor debate on 05/13/2026.

    5/12/2026House

  9. Read by title, passed to 3rd reading.

    5/11/2026House

  10. Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

    5/7/2026House

  11. Reported favorably (9-1). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

    5/6/2026House

  12. Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Education.

    4/20/2026House

  13. Received in the House from the Senate, read by title, lies over under the rules.

    4/16/2026House

  14. Read by title, passed by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays, and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

    4/15/2026Senate

  15. Read by title. Ordered engrossed and passed to third reading and final passage.

    4/14/2026Senate

  16. Substitute for Senate Bill No. 95. Read by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.

    4/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

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