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On the Floor: House Gears Up for Major Votes on Workforce Bills
Wednesday’s House Floor docket features at least half a dozen LABI-supported bills—anchored by a bevy of workforce measures—that are expected to receive votes and could be sent to the Senate before the end of the week. All four of the aforementioned career readiness bills received House Ed’s approval last week and have been designated as LA Driven-approved.
Going in numerical order, we’ll first highlight HB 268 by Rep. Kim Carver (R-Mandeville). This measure expands and aligns career exposure opportunities for students in grades 6-8. Additionally, it requires K-5 schools to provide students with a least one career-related activity each year. LABI testified in support of this measure in Committee, underscoring the need to routinely expose children to the high-demand, high-wage industries and careers available in Louisiana.
HB 271 by Rep. John Wyble (R-Bogalusa) creates the Louisiana Commission on Foundational Education to research and analyze policies on foundational education initiatives and instructional practices, while strengthening family engagement.
HB 285 by Tony Bacala (R-Prairieville) authorizes school boards to collaborate with credit unions to establish branches on high school campuses, with the Committee’s amendment extending participation to banks as well. LABI supported the measure, noting its alignment with our College Board partnership.
HB 649 by Rep. Ken Brass (D-Vacherie) requires the establishment and administration of a statewide application process for students to access dual enrollment programs. Dual enrollment programs open doors for students to earn college credits while still in high school, bridging the gap between education and workforce readiness. By optimizing the process, we can equip young people with the knowledge and skills that employers need, strengthening both individual opportunity and the state’s talent pipeline.