Louisiana Senate Bill SB277

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

Provides relative to disclosure of gifts made to institutions of higher education by foreign governments, persons, and entities. (8/15/10)

Impact

The bill impacts existing state laws by establishing strict reporting obligations on higher education institutions that receive significant gifts from foreign sources. Institutions are required to detail the amount, terms, and purpose of such gifts in public reports submitted to the Board of Regents and the Board of Ethics. Any non-compliance with these disclosure requirements can result in forfeiture of the undisclosed gifts to the state treasury, which underscores the law's emphasis on accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 277 mandates that every higher education institution in Louisiana disclose gifts exceeding $100,000 from foreign entities. This includes gifts from foreign governments, legal entities, or persons, which could potentially influence the operations or curriculum of the institutions. The aim of the bill is to increase transparency regarding foreign funding in higher education, thereby safeguarding academic integrity and ethics in the educational environment.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards SB 277 is generally positive among proponents who believe it is a necessary step towards greater transparency in education funding. They argue that it protects academic independence and ensures that all conditions surrounding foreign donations are publicly accessible. Conversely, there may be concerns from institutions about the administrative burden of compliance and potential deterrence of beneficial foreign contributions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates around the implications of transparency on donor confidence and institutional autonomy. Critics may argue that excessive scrutiny could deter foreign funding crucial for academic programs. Furthermore, discussions might center on how the bill defines 'foreign entities' and how these definitions could affect future educational partnerships and funding opportunities.