Louisiana House Bill HB588

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11

Caption

Provides for the governance, management, and supervision of public postsecondary education institutions

Impact

The implementation of HB 588 is expected to centralize decision-making in the governance of higher education, replacing the fragmented structure of multiple boards with a unified Board of Trustees. This could lead to more consistent policies regarding tuition and fees, program offerings, and budget appropriations across Louisiana's colleges and universities. Additionally, there are provisions in the bill that allow the board to adjust tuition rates based on comparisons with peer institutions, which may impact students' financial obligations depending on the outcomes of those comparisons.

Summary

House Bill 588 proposes significant changes to the governance of postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. It aims to abolish several existing boards, including the Board of Regents and the Board of Supervisors for various universities, and establish a new single entity known as the Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees. This entity would be responsible for overseeing the state's public postsecondary education system, streamlining management, and potentially improving accountability within the system. The bill outlines the structure and duties of this new board and emphasizes its role in setting and implementing educational policy across institutions.

Sentiment

While there is support for the bill based on the potential for enhanced efficiency and accountability, opposition is expected from those who advocate for local governance and prefer existing boards due to fears that centralized control may overlook specific needs and priorities of individual institutions. The sentiment is mixed, with proponents arguing that a cohesive approach to governance can better serve students and streamline operations, whereas critics express concerns about losing local representation in educational decisions.

Contention

Debates surrounding HB 588 highlight the tension between centralized governance and local control. Notably, discussions about how the new Board of Trustees will represent various interests and address diverse needs across different colleges and universities are critical points of contention. As the bill progresses, stakeholders may raise concerns about how the new structure will maintain quality and accessibility in higher education while ensuring that financial considerations, such as tuition adjustments, do not disproportionately burden students.