Louisiana House Bill HR197

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/10
• Passed: 6/21/10

Caption

Requests the Board of Regents to study certain issues relative to yoga teacher training and the licensing of facilities that offer such training as proprietary schools

Impact

If enacted, HR197 would influence the regulation of educational institutions that provide yoga training in Louisiana. The outcome of the study could lead to significant changes in how such facilities are licensed and overseen, potentially clarifying the legal status of yoga teacher training within the state's educational laws. This may either enhance the regulatory environment around these institutions or lead to fewer regulations if yoga training is deemed outside the scope of proprietary education.

Summary

House Resolution 197 requests the Board of Regents in Louisiana to conduct a study regarding yoga teacher training and whether these facilities should be classified and regulated as proprietary schools. The resolution highlights growing concerns among yoga training providers and the legal interpretations surrounding their status—determining if yoga teacher training falls under the current statutory framework governing proprietary schools. The resolution lays out a requirement for the Board to report findings and recommendations to the House Committee on Education by a specified date, indicating the legislative body's intent to address this issue in a timely manner.

Sentiment

The sentiment associated with HR197 appears generally supportive among yoga training facilities and advocates who see the need for clarity in law regarding their operations. However, there could be mixed feelings among legislators regarding the appropriateness of categorizing yoga programs under proprietary educational laws. Supporters are likely to view the bill as a necessary step towards ensuring proper oversight while opponents might express concerns over regulatory overreach that could stifle the essence of yoga education.

Contention

A notable point of contention emerges from the legal interpretations regarding what constitutes a proprietary school and whether yoga training fulfills the criteria to fall under it. Legal counsel representing the Coalition of Louisiana Yoga Studies argues that yoga teacher training primarily focuses on personal enrichment and spirituality rather than creating a vocational pathway, which could challenge the classification of these training programs under existing education regulations. The findings from the Board of Regents could thus have lasting implications on both yoga education and broader discussions around regulation and oversight in the field of personal development.