Louisiana House Bill HB401

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Refer: 4/29/10
• Refer: 5/3/10
• Report Pass: 5/4/10

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Exempts public postsecondary education tuition amounts and mandatory fees from requirements for imposing a new or increasing an existing tax or fee (EG SEE FISC NOTE SG RV See Note)

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the financial management landscape for public postsecondary education in Louisiana. By allowing these boards to set tuition and fees independently, it may lead to an increase in tuition rates without legislative intervention, potentially impacting students and families financially. The freedom to adjust fees in response to budgetary concerns could provide management boards with the means to maintain institutional quality despite funding fluctuations, but it may also raise accessibility concerns regarding the affordability of higher education.

Summary

House Bill 401 proposes a constitutional amendment that exempts public postsecondary education management boards from the requirement of receiving a two-thirds legislative vote to impose or increase tuition amounts and mandatory fees. This legislation is designed to grant these management boards greater autonomy over their financial matters, enabling them to respond more swiftly to economic conditions and institutional needs without the lengthy approval process typically required by the legislature. The proposed changes are set to apply from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2015.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 401 appears to be mixed among stakeholders. Proponents argue that giving management boards the ability to set tuition and fees autonomously is a necessary step toward enhancing institutional flexibility and responsiveness. However, opponents raise concerns about the potential for unchecked fee increases, which could disproportionately affect low-income students and exacerbate issues of college affordability in the state. This tension reflects broader debates over governance and control in higher education budgeting.

Contention

Key points of contention include the balance of power between state legislative authority and local management boards. Critics of the bill argue that bypassing the legislative process undermines the checks and balances intended to prevent excessive fee increases and ensure public accountability. Advocates, however, maintain that this amendment is essential for enabling management boards to act in the best interest of their institutions and students, particularly in an era of budget cuts and increasing operational costs.