Louisiana Senate Bill SB736

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/12
• Refer: 4/3/12

Caption

Authorizes school boards to create public benefit corporations. (8/1/12)

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by allowing local school boards broader authority to establish entities specifically aimed at supporting public education. By facilitating the creation of public benefit foundations, the legislation enables school boards to alleviate some financial pressures by accessing additional funding sources through donations while maintaining control over how these funds are utilized for educational purposes. This could lead to more tailored funding solutions to meet the specific needs of individual school districts.

Summary

Senate Bill 736, introduced by Senator Peterson, authorizes local school boards to create public benefit corporations designated as charitable foundations to support public schools within their jurisdictions. This legislation allows school boards to establish foundations that can operate independently, retaining profits generated for their respective purposes, thereby providing a mechanism for schools to enhance their funding without direct returns to the school board's general fund. The intent is to enable school boards to better manage resources dedicated to public education.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB736 appears relatively supportive among education advocates and school boards who see the potential for improved funding resources through public benefit corporations. However, concerns may arise from those who worry about the implications of creating separate entities from school boards, particularly regarding oversight and the handling of donated funds. Discussions may reflect a general optimism for enhanced educational funding, tempered with caution about ensuring proper governance of these new entities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB736 include the potential for oversight and accountability in how the public benefit foundations operate. Critics may question the efficacy of allowing school boards to have such powers without stricter regulatory frameworks. The implications of this bill could lead to disparities between districts based on their ability to attract donations and manage public benefit corporations, raising issues of equity in public education financing across the state.