Creates the Central La. Technical Community College. (gov sig) (EG1 +$2,190,750 SG RV See Note)
Impact
The enactment of SB 247 will have significant implications for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. By creating the Central Louisiana Technical Community College, the bill is expected to increase postsecondary educational access and promote skills development in the local workforce. It explicitly states that the college will be managed by the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and will provide educational services that meet the demands of employers in the area. This could lead to better alignment between educational outcomes and job market needs, addressing local economic challenges.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 247 aims to establish the Central Louisiana Technical Community College as a public institution for postsecondary education. The bill outlines the management, supervision, and operation of the college, which is designed to provide various educational programs tailored to the needs of students and communities in central Louisiana. These programs include career and technical education, adult basic education, workforce development training, and transfer degrees. The establishment of this college is seen as a move to enhance educational opportunities in the region.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 247 appears to be largely positive among proponents who recognize the necessity of expanding technical and vocational education in Louisiana. Supporters believe that the creation of the Central Louisiana Technical Community College will facilitate job training that is critical for economic growth. However, potential issues related to funding and the effectiveness of program accreditation might be points of contention, with concerns about sufficient resources to ensure quality education.
Contention
While there seems to be general agreement on the benefits of increased technical education, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and operational support for the new college. Additionally, continuous oversight by the Board of Regents and the assurance of regional accreditation are critical factors that stakeholders will watch closely to ensure the college meets educational standards. Thus, the discussion about SB 247 might involve balancing local educational needs with broader institutional mandates.
Renames the Northwest La. Technical College as the Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and provides for an expansion of its mission and educational program (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)
Merges the Jefferson, Sidney N.Collier, Slidell, and West Jefferson campuses of the La. Technical College with Delgado Technical Community College. (gov sig)
Creates and provides for Louisiana Educational Workforce Training Fund to provide opportunities for educational training in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Provides relative to the issuance of bonds to finance capital improvements for the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System. (2/3-CA7s6(F)(1))(gov sig)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.