Rep. Jason Hughes, a Democrat from New Orleans, has introduced House Bill 264, which proposes to make computer science a mandatory requirement for high school graduation in Louisiana public schools. The bill passed without objection from the Senate Education Committee, signaling a potential change in graduation requirements for students starting in the 2027-28 school year.
If the bill becomes law, students pursuing a high school diploma in Louisiana would need to fulfill a computer science requirement in addition to existing criteria. This includes students aiming for Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) awards, which are merit-based scholarships for Louisiana residents attending in-state public colleges and universities.
Under HB 264, students seeking TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors awards would be required to complete one credit of computer science as part of their math or science curriculum or as an alternative to a foreign language. For TOPS Tech recipients, computer science could count as a math or science course or elective.
The implementation of computer science requirements would begin partially in the 2027-28 school year, with full integration for students graduating in 2028 and beyond. Graduates in 2028 will have the option to use computer science to replace the foreign language requirement for TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors awards. However, TOPS Tech students graduating in 2028 would not have the same flexibility.
Two years ago, former Sen. Sharon Hewitt from Slidell successfully passed a bill allowing students to substitute two credits of computer science for the foreign language requirement to be eligible for TOPS. Now, Rep
