Regents staff outlines major higher‑education bills: career‑connected campuses, TOPS changes, hazing and research security

Board staff presented a multi‑point legislative briefing showing several active bills of consequence to postsecondary institutions.

The briefing described a priority to shift policy toward career‑connected education, including legislation to define and measure "career‑connected campuses" through a dashboard to align education with employment opportunities. Staff also flagged two hazing‑prevention bills tied to the Caleb Wilson task force, and legislation addressing digital misuse and sexualized deepfakes within power‑based violence bills.

Notable TOPS and dual‑enrollment items: staff described changes to dual enrollment that would create a single statewide application and allow uniform pricing for career‑technical and academic dual enrollment. Amendments discussed would also allow part‑time students to access TOPS Tech awards. Staff noted rulemaking and study items intended to examine TOPS return on investment and improve TOPS data (including private institution information).

Research and governance: staff said a Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council bill—designed to protect research and intellectual property from foreign adversaries—would be housed at the Board of Regents if enacted.

Status and next steps: Many bills have progressed through initial committees; the 2026 legislative session ends June 1. Staff said several items have not advanced (guns on campus; converting TOPS to loans), and multiple study requests were being tracked. The presentation was informational; any statutory or budgetary details would be resolved as bills move through the Senate and conference process.