Louisiana House Bill HB421

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 5/5/10
• Engrossed: 5/12/10
• Refer: 5/13/10
• Report Pass: 6/10/10
• Enrolled: 6/18/10
• Chaptered: 6/29/10
• Passed: 6/29/10

Caption

Provides relative to the authority of a local school board to deny admission or readmission to school of certain students (EN NO IMPACT EX See Note)

Impact

If enacted, HB 421 would have significant implications for local school boards throughout Louisiana. It would prevent these boards from denying admission based on arbitrary or subjective criteria, ensuring compliance with broader educational access standards set by state law. This change could potentially increase school attendance rates by holding school systems accountable for providing access to education without undue barriers. The removal of the pilot program provisions suggests a move towards a more standardized approach to student admissions statewide, aligning local school policies with the state's educational mandates.

Summary

House Bill 421 aims to amend the current statutes governing school admissions in Louisiana by establishing clearer guidelines on the authority of local school boards to deny admission or readmission to students. The bill specifically removes the provisions related to a pilot program established by the state Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education aimed at addressing poor school attendance. By doing so, the bill seeks to reinforce the right of suitable-age students residing within a school system's geographic boundaries to not be denied access to education, unless they are legally excluded from attending school.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 421 appears to be generally supportive among educational advocates who argue for equitable access to education for all students. The bill reflects an intention to enhance student rights and ensure that the local boards cannot impose overly restrictive admission policies that could hinder the educational opportunities for students. However, there may be concerns among some local officials regarding the loss of discretion in managing admissions in their districts, which may lead to debates about local control versus state regulation in education.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB 421 include the historical context of admissions policies and the balance of power between state and local governance. Some stakeholders may argue that local boards have specific insights necessary to manage their unique communities effectively, while others argue for the necessity of standardized state policies to prevent discrimination and improve overall attendance. The discussions surrounding the bill highlight ongoing tensions within education policy regarding how best to serve diverse student populations while maintaining robust control standards.