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HLS 26RS-376 ORIGINAL
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 787
BY REPRESENTATIVE MCMAKIN
CURRICULA: Removes successful completion of a computer science course as a
requirement for TOPS qualification
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 17:5026(A)(5) and to repeal R.S. 17:5025(8), 5025.7, and
3 5026(F), relative to curricula; to remove Computer Science as a requirement for
4 qualification for TOPS awards; to provide for applicability; and to provide for related
5 matters.
6 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
7 Section 1. R.S. 17:5026(A)(5) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:
8 §5026. High school core curriculum requirements; TOPS-Tech
9 A. To be eligible for a TOPS-Tech Award pursuant to this Chapter, the
10 student shall have successfully completed the core curriculum requirements of R.S.
11 17:5025 or the core curriculum defined as follows:
12 * * *
13 (5) At least nine credits in Jump Start course sequences, workplace
14 experiences, and credentials. A student shall complete a regionally designed series
15 of Career and Technical Education Jump Start coursework and workplace-based
16 learning experiences leading to a statewide or regional Jump Start credential. This
17 shall include courses and workplace experiences specific to the credential, courses
18 related to foundational career skills requirements in Jump Start, and other courses,
19 including career electives, that the Jump Start regional team determines are
20 appropriate for the career major. One of these credits shall be Computer Science,
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-376 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 787
1 unless Computer Science is taken to fulfill one credit as provided in Paragraph (2)
2 or (3) of this Subsection.
3 * * *
4 Section 2. R.S. 17:5025(8), 5025.7, and 5026(F) are hereby repealed in their entirety.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 787 Original 2026 Regular Session McMakin
Abstract: Removes completion of a Computer Science course as a requirement for
qualification for TOPS.
Present law provides for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), a merit
scholarship program for students who meet certain academic criteria in high school and other
requirements. Provides for five award levels based on high school academic criteria,
including completion of a specific core curriculum, a minimum GPA on that core
curriculum, and a minimum ACT score: TOPS-Tech, Opportunity, Performance, Honors,
and Excellence.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires completion of a one unit Computer Science course to quality for any
level of TOPS award, starting with students who graduate during the 2030-2031 school year.
Proposed law removes this requirement from the core curriculum.
(Amends R.S. 17:5025(intro. para.) and 5026(A)(5); Repeals R.S. 17:5025(8), 5025.7, and
5026(F))
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.