Louisiana House Bill HB762

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Exempts university laboratory schools from certain rules, regulations, and statutory requirements

Impact

The legislation is poised to have a significant impact on state education law by allowing LSU and SU lab schools to operate with reduced regulatory burdens. While exempt from most regulations set by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), these institutions will still adhere to critical standards in areas such as health, safety, and educational accountability. This shift might lead to distinct operational practices compared to traditional public schools, as these lab schools could innovate in their educational approaches and curriculum design without being overly constrained by broader public school regulations.

Summary

House Bill 762 aims to exempt university laboratory schools operated by Louisiana State University (LSU) and Southern University (SU) from certain rules and regulations that are generally applicable to public schools. This bill introduces specific exemptions, aligning these institutions closer to the treatment of charter schools, while still requiring compliance with key federal and state laws pertaining to civil rights and services for individuals with disabilities. By granting this exemption, the bill seeks to provide greater flexibility to these laboratory schools in their operations and governance.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HB 762 appears to be moderately positive among proponents of educational innovation and reform. Supporters argue that by liberating these university-affiliated schools from excessive regulation, it can pave the way for more effective teaching practices and educational outcomes. However, some individuals and groups have expressed concern that such exemptions might undermine accountability and uniformly applied educational standards across the public education system.

Contention

The bill's adoption may result in contention regarding the balance of oversight and autonomy in public education. While supporters celebrate the potential for universities to lead in educational innovation, opponents worry that these exemptions could create disparities in educational quality and availability of services. The matter of compliance with civil rights protections and other essential regulations remains a focal point, as stakeholders seek to ensure that the educational needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities, continue to be prioritized despite the reduced regulatory framework.