LA HB77

Creates a new "Excellence Award" tier within the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) requiring a minimum 3.50 GPA and ACT score of 31 or higher (or equivalent SAT/Classic Learning Test score)

Excellence Award provides tuition coverage up to $12,000 at public institutions or $8,500 at eligible private institutions, plus $300/semester for books and $1,000/semester for other educational expenses

Adds the Classic Learning Test as an acceptable standardized test for determining eligibility for all TOPS award levels (Opportunity, Performance, Honors, Excellence, and TOPS-Tech)

Applies to students graduating from high school during or after the 2024-2025 school year

Excellence Award recipients must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA to continue receiving benefits and are limited to eight semesters of eligibility, with unused semesters applicable toward postgraduate study