Louisiana House Bill HB1078

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/12
• Refer: 4/3/12

Caption

Provides relative to the authority of public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts (OR +$257,600,000 SG RV See Note)

Impact

The bill aims to bridge the funding gap that has been a concern for public universities by authorizing fee increases that would potentially raise up to $257.6 million for the state. By tying increases to average fees in neighboring states, the bill seeks to address financial challenges faced by these institutions while ensuring that students do not bear costs disproportionately higher than those in other states. It also allows for the uniform imposition of fees on a per-credit-hour basis, which could help standardize the financial burden on students.

Summary

House Bill 1078 focuses on the authority granted to public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts for resident students. Specifically, the bill allows these boards to set fees in accordance with the Board of Regents Tuition and Financial Aid Policy, which itself requires legislative approval. This legislative framework aims to standardize and control tuition increases, aligning them with the average costs of similar institutions in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) region, thereby maintaining competitiveness in higher education costs.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB 1078 appears mixed among stakeholders. Supporters argue that the bill ensures higher education institutions can sustain operations and improve educational resources. They posit that it allows institutions the flexibility to adapt financial policies according to state-level oversight and peer comparisons. However, some critics express concern that increased tuition could pose a barrier for low-income students, particularly in conjunction with rising living costs in Louisiana. Hence, critics worry about the potential for education becoming less accessible, especially for disadvantaged populations.

Contention

A notable point of contention revolves around the safeguards for students facing financial hardship. The bill mandates that management boards establish criteria for waivers for those who may struggle with increased tuition fees. Although this provision aims to protect vulnerable students, some legislators and advocacy groups argue that waiver processes can often be complex and inadequately advertised. Critics highlight that without robust communication and support, many eligible students may still find themselves unable to afford the new tuition rates, undermining the intended access and equity that the bill seeks to promote.