A Senate bill that will likely result in future TOPS students having to pay a portion of their tuition clears the House Education Committee. The governor’s office opposes Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue’s legislation. Stafford Palmieri, Jindal’s Assistant Chief of Staff, says Louisiana has made the promise that TOPS students will have their tuition fully paid…:
CUT 6 (09) “tuition increase”
Under Donahue’s bill, the TOPS award will match 2016-17 tuition levels but the award will not automatically go up when tuition rises. Donahue says TOPS is unsustainable in its current form and this baseline will ensure its survival…:
CUT 7 (06) “their kids after”
The measure will now be debated on the House floor.

Legislation by Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater that would allow state colleges to raise fees for students passes the state House. Gonzales Representative Eddie Lambert wanted assurance from Broadwater that this measure would not affect tuition…:
CUT 10 (06) “TOPS, whatsoever”
Broadwater says a percentage of the revenues generated from additional fees would be set aside for needs based assistance.

A Senate committee has approved New Orleans Senator JP Morrell’s bill that would change a second-offense marijuana possession from a felony to a misdemeanor. It also allows a first-time offender to have their record expunged if they are not convicted for another marijuana violation within two years…
CUT 4 (10) Q” first offense only”
He says there’s still significant penalties for 3 or more convictions. the bill heads to the full Senate.