Louisiana House Bill HB1171

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 5/6/10
• Refer: 5/7/10
• Report Pass: 5/24/10
• Engrossed: 6/4/10
• Refer: 6/7/10
• Report Pass: 6/10/10
• Refer: 6/11/10
• Report Pass: 6/17/10
• Enrolled: 6/21/10
• Chaptered: 6/29/10
• Passed: 6/29/10

Caption

Provides for a Board of Regents program under which postsecondary institutions agree to achieve certain standards in exchange for authority to increase tuition and for exemption from certain limitations (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)

Impact

By implementing performance agreements, HB 1171 seeks to improve accountability in Louisiana's postsecondary education system. Institutions that successfully meet their performance targets will gain increased operational autonomy, including the authority to raise tuition and fees. This adjustment is envisaged as a means of funding improvements while potentially raising educational standards. The bill also makes provisions for monitoring these agreements annually, enabling the Board of Regents to revoke agreements if institutions fail to meet their commitments.

Summary

House Bill 1171, titled the Louisiana Granting Resources and Autonomy for Diplomas Act, establishes a framework for performance agreements between the Board of Regents and public postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. The bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of these institutions by allowing them flexibility and autonomy in exchange for meeting defined performance objectives. These objectives primarily focus on improving graduation rates, workforce alignment, and overall institutional efficiency, thus addressing the state's current and future economic needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1171 appears largely favorable among educational leaders and lawmakers who advocate for increased autonomy as a way to boost institutional performance. Supporters argue that by incentivizing schools to meet specific performance metrics, the bill promotes a culture of accountability and improvement. However, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of increased tuition fees on students and families, as well as the potential for widening disparities between institutions that can afford to meet the new standards and those that cannot.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the bill's impact on access to higher education, especially in terms of rising tuition costs as institutions gain more freedom to increase fees. Critics warn that while increased autonomy and flexibility may foster innovation, they could also exacerbate financial challenges for low-income students. Additionally, fears persist that reliance on performance-based metrics rather than holistic educational outcomes might skew institutional priorities away from student support and engagement.