Louisiana House Bill HB560

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 6/1/11
• Engrossed: 6/8/11
• Report Pass: 6/15/11
• Enrolled: 6/23/11
• Chaptered: 6/29/11
• Passed: 6/29/11

Caption

Provides relative to the duties of the Legislative Auditor relative to conducting certain audits of postsecondary education institutions (EN +$256,500 SG EX See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 560 will strengthen the oversight over postsecondary education institutions, thus aiming to enhance the quality and accountability of education provided in the state. By enforcing stringent reporting requirements, the bill is expected to encourage institutions to meet established performance goals. It also sets a cap on the costs that institutions may incur for these audits, ensuring that fees remain reasonable unless additional costs are justified and approved. This may lead to more reliable data on institutional performance and improve educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 560 aims to amend existing regulations concerning the auditing of postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. Specifically, it requires these institutions to submit relevant performance data to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. This bill is meant to enhance accountability and ensure that educational institutions are meeting performance objectives as set by the Board of Regents. The legislative auditor will conduct annual audits of the institutions' data to ensure compliance, with findings reported annually prior to the Board's decision on the institutions' operational autonomy and tuition authority.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 560 appears to be largely positive among proponents of increased accountability within education. Supporters argue that enhanced auditing processes are necessary for ensuring that public funds are being used effectively and for achieving educational goals. However, concerns may arise among institutions regarding the potential burden of additional reporting and the associated costs, even with the cap in place. The bill represents a significant step towards increasing transparency in educational performance measurements.

Contention

While the bill's primary focus is on accountability, there may be contention regarding the balance between oversight and institutional autonomy. Critics might express concern that increased auditing might lead to unnecessary pressures on institutions, potentially stifling innovation or unique educational approaches tailored to community needs. The bill's requirement for performance data and the associated audits could lead to discussions on what constitutes appropriate metrics for success and how they reflect the diverse missions of educational institutions.