§3047.3. Maintaining eligibility

            A. To maintain continued state payment of the award, once enrolled in a postsecondary education institution, an award recipient shall:

            (1) Make steady academic progress as defined by the administering agency toward completion of the requirements of the qualified program, unless an exception for cause is granted by the administering agency.

            (2) Remain in good academic standing at the postsecondary education institution while enrolled in a qualified program.

            (3) Maintain continuous enrollment, unless granted an exception for cause by the administering agency. "Continuous enrollment" shall mean:

            (a) Earn at least one shorter-term postsecondary education credential per year if enrolled in a qualified program below the associate degree level.

            (b) Enroll in the fall and spring semester of each academic year if enrolled in a qualified program at the associate degree level.

            (4) Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 calculated on a 4.00 scale in a qualified program for which grades are issued.

            (5)(a) Not be incarcerated.

            (b) Have no conviction for any crime of violence as defined in R.S. 14:2(B).

            (6) Have received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions from the United States Armed Forces, if separation occurs after becoming a recipient of the award.

            (7) Have received the award for not more than three consecutive academic years, unless an extension is granted for cause by the administering agency in accordance with its rules.

            (8) Have used the award to earn not more than sixty hours of academic credit.

            (9) Repealed by Acts 2023, No. 287, §2, eff. June 12, 2023.

            B. An award recipient who successfully completes a qualified program in less than three years shall be eligible to continue to receive the award, in accordance with the limitations as specified in this Chapter, for any remaining time of eligibility by enrolling in another qualified program and continuing to meet all academic and other established eligibility requirements provided pursuant to this Chapter and by rule of the administering agency.

            C. If an award recipient previously received the award and enrolled in a program that is subsequently determined to no longer meet the criteria as a qualified program, the award recipient may continue to use the award to continue in the program as long as all other continuing eligibility requirements are met.

            Acts 2021, No. 457, §1, eff. June 23, 2021; Acts 2023, No. 287, §2, eff. June 12, 2023.