Jindal’s Education Bills Pass Louisiana Legislature

Governor Bobby Jindal's legislation that would overhaul the shape of public education in Louisiana has passed the legislature.

Wednesday night, the Louisiana Senate approved both education bills after making minor changes to them, sending them back to the Louisiana House. Earlier today, the Louisiana House approved those changes by votes of 60-43 and 60-42.

The bills will make it tougher for teachers to reach tenure, establish a statewide voucher program for private school tuition, make it easier to create charter schools, expand online schools and restructure public financing of education.

Teachers and teacher unions strongly protested Jindal's now-passed legislation, holding several rallies at the State Capitol over the past few weeks.

Jindal can sign the bills next week.