Louisiana Senate Bill SB290

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 3/26/12
• Engrossed: 3/29/12
• Refer: 4/2/12
• Report Pass: 5/15/12
• Enrolled: 6/4/12
• Chaptered: 6/12/12
• Passed: 6/12/12

Caption

Provides relative to the La. Universities Marine Consortium. (8/1/12)

Impact

The enactment of SB290 will establish a more streamlined governance framework for the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. The bill creates an executive board that is composed of high-ranking officials from various universities and mandates the development of a five-year master plan for marine science programs. Additionally, it sets reporting requirements to enhance transparency and accountability, thus aligning educational strategies with state priorities in marine research and coastal resource management. This restructuring is anticipated to foster collaboration across institutions while leveraging existing resources for more effective research outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill 290 is an initiative aimed at enhancing the structure and governance of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium for Research and Education. The bill amends and reenacts several sections of existing law to redefine the purpose of the consortium, which primarily focuses on carrying out research and educational initiatives in marine sciences and technology, especially in connection with coastal resources and the impacts of energy-related industries. The bill also establishes an advisory council to support the executive board and ensure stakeholder representation in decision-making processes.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB290 appears to be positive, with broad support from educational stakeholders who recognize the value of enhancing marine science education and research in Louisiana. The inclusion of various university representatives as voting and non-voting members on the executive board and advisory council reflects an inclusive approach aimed at addressing diverse perspectives. However, there are concerns regarding the operational execution of the plans outlined in the bill and the potential bureaucratic complexities that may arise from the new structure.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB290 involves the balance of power within the consortium’s governance structure. While the bill aims to create a semblance of inclusivity, questions have been raised about the actual effectiveness of the advisory council and whether it would truly impact decision-making. Additionally, stakeholders have expressed the need for ongoing dialogue to ensure that the consortium adequately serves the specific educational and research needs of the state's coastal communities while addressing broader environmental issues.