A bill that would force TOPS students who drop out or lose eligibility to repay the value of the scholarship passed the House Education committee on an 8-5 vote. The bill’s author, Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo, says TOPS costs the state 290-million dollars and it’s becoming more difficult to find money to pay for the taxpayer funded program.
cut 13 (09) “…of time”
The bill calls for the Board of Regents to determine the repayment process, which could include interest. Voting no was New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie, who says the bill targets working class students who often times lose eligibility when bills start piling up.
Cut 14 (11) “to school”
The measure now heads to the House Appropriations Committee.

A bill requiring colleges and universities to provide hazing education and prevention during orientation has been filed by Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter. Members of on-campus organiziations would have to take a one-hour class on hazing prevention and Carter says the Board of Regents would establish a uniform anti-hazing policy for all state institutions…
cut 5 (07) “…governor proposed”
Governro John Bel Edwards is backing this legislation.

Get ready for another active hurricane season. The Colorado State Hurricane Forecast team is predicting 14 named storms for the upcoming season. There were 17 named storms last year and Doctor Michael Bell says conditions are ripe for another busy season….
cut 7 (10) “…potentially favorable”
Bell says there’s a one and three chance the Gulf Coast will see a major hurricane in 2018.