LA HB558

Establishes the "Teacher Pay Modernization Act" requiring all public school districts, including charter schools, to incrementally raise teacher salaries to meet or exceed the Southern Regional Education Board average by FY 2030-2031 (25% of gap closed in FY 2027-2028, 50% in FY 2028-2029, 75% in FY 2029-2030, full parity thereafter)

Requires the Department of Education to submit an initial report by October 1, 2026, and annual reports thereafter detailing district averages, statewide averages, Southern regional averages, and compliance status

Mandates all 20 executive branch departments to submit annual reports by November 15th identifying potential consolidations, position eliminations, and efficiency savings that could fund teacher salary increases

Restricts appropriated funds exclusively to permanent base salary schedule increases, prohibiting use for benefits, retirement costs, bonuses, stipends, administrative salaries, or operating expenses

Salary schedule provisions become effective July 1, 2027, only if the legislature enacts a specific appropriation during the 2027 Regular Session