A. For any person who is in default or delinquent in the payments of his or her student loan, the repayment of any student loan shall not be grounds for denying an application for, or an application for the renewal of, or suspension of, any license, permit, or certificate required by the state of Louisiana or a political subdivision, or for the granting of a conditional license, permit, or certificate required by the state of Louisiana or a political subdivision, or any department, office, agency, or board of such entities, in order to practice or engage in a trade, occupation, or profession.

            B. For the purposes of this Section:

            (1) “Default” means the failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed to in the promissory note.

            (2) “Delinquent” means having failed to make loan payments when they are due.

            (3) “License” means any license, permit, certificate, registration, or other means required to engage in an occupation that is granted or issued by the state, its agencies, or political subdivisions responsible by law for the licensing of persons or occupations before a person may pursue, practice, or engage in any occupation.

            (4) “Student loan” means a federally guaranteed or state-guaranteed loan for the purposes of postsecondary education.

            C. The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to authorize nonpayment, or to delay repayment, of a student loan.

            Acts 2019, No. 227, §1.