Louisiana House Bill HB562

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 5/18/11

Caption

Requires members of public postsecondary education boards to receive certain training and instruction

Impact

The implementation of HB 562 is expected to reinforce the governance of public postsecondary education by ensuring that board members possess a solid foundational understanding of their roles and responsibilities. By formally requiring training, the bill seeks to improve oversight, compliance with state laws, and operational effectiveness across public postsecondary institutions. Annual reporting requirements to legislative committees and the governor will bolster accountability for meeting these educational standards.

Summary

House Bill 562, introduced by Representative Tim Burns, aims to mandate training for members of public postsecondary education management boards and the Board of Regents. This requirement stipulates that each member must receive a minimum of eight hours of training within their first year of appointment, and subsequently annually. The training will cover essential topics such as state constitution provisions, legal statutes, agency rules, and critical education policy issues. The intention behind this bill is to ensure board members are well-informed and equipped to fulfill their governance responsibilities effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 562 appears to be generally positive, with supporters advocating for the enhanced qualifications of board members as a crucial step towards better governance in the education sector. Those in favor see the training as necessary for fostering informed decision-making and effective oversight. However, potential concerns include the administrative burden of ensuring compliance and the additional costs associated with the training provisions, which should be borne equally by the Board of Regents and the management boards.

Contention

Despite its advantages, contentions may arise concerning how the training is structured and the flexibility offered to board members unable to attend on designated dates. The bill allows for equivalent training from approved providers, which could be a point of debate regarding the quality and consistency of training received. Additionally, the specifics about the costs related to training provision may spark discussions on budget allocations within the education system.