Louisiana House Bill HB526

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 5/18/11
• Engrossed: 5/31/11
• Report Pass: 6/13/11
• Refer: 6/14/11
• Report Pass: 6/16/11
• Enrolled: 6/20/11
• Chaptered: 6/24/11
• Passed: 6/24/11

Caption

Authorizes the La. Community and Technical Colleges System Board of Supervisors to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts at institutions under its supervision and management and permits the uniform imposition of tuition and mandatory fee amounts on a per credit hour basis (RE +$5,300,000 SG RV See Note)

Impact

The implications of HB 526 are significant for state law and education funding. By allowing the Board to adjust tuition and fees, the legislation seeks to provide greater financial stability to community colleges in Louisiana. However, it also raises potential concerns about the accessibility of education for low-income students, as increased costs might deter enrollment or lead to higher debt levels for students. Educational financial aid policies may need to be reviewed to accommodate these changes in tuition structure.

Summary

House Bill 526 aims to grant the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System Board of Supervisors the authority to increase tuition and mandatory fees for resident students enrolled at community and technical colleges. The bill specifies that these increases can only occur under certain limitations, including that the total combined amounts collected should not exceed the highest amounts set as of July 1, 2011. This legislative change is structured to provide a uniform pricing model based on credit hours, thereby standardizing costs across institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the passage of HB 526 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, who argue that it is necessary for maintaining and improving financial support for community colleges. Proponents emphasize that reasonable tuition increases are essential for enhancing educational programs and resources. However, there are concerns from opposition parties regarding the potential impact on student access and affordability. Critics worry that higher tuition could disproportionately affect underprivileged students and exacerbate existing inequalities in higher education.

Contention

A notable area of contention during discussions around HB 526 centered on the timing and magnitude of tuition increases. Some members raised concerns that the proposed increases could exceed reasonable amounts, hurting students already grappling with financial difficulties. Furthermore, debates regarding the effectiveness of the Board's decision-making process and the transparency in how these tuition increases were communicated to the public were highlighted. The balancing act between financial imperatives for community colleges and the need to safeguard student access to education remains a pivotal aspect of this legislation.