Louisiana Senate Bill SB741

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/12
• Refer: 4/3/12

Caption

Provides relative to the Board of Regents' power to formulate a master plan. (gov sig)

Impact

The ramifications of SB 741 extend to state laws governing postsecondary education funding processes. By excluding student athletic fees from funding calculations, the bill could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources among educational institutions, as it aims to focus solely on necessary educational expenditures rather than ancillary fees. This legislation reflects a shift toward prioritizing core educational funding over extracurricular financial burdens, which could benefit students by ensuring that their tuition fees are used more directly for educational purposes.

Summary

Senate Bill 741 addresses the powers of the Board of Regents in Louisiana, specifically regarding its ability to formulate a master plan for postsecondary education. The bill aims to ensure that the plan includes a formula for equitable distribution of funds to various institutions of higher education. Notably, the proposed legislation explicitly prohibits the Board from including mandatory self-assessed student athletic fees in the calculations for this funding formula, potentially altering how financial resources are allocated among universities and colleges.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB 741 appears to lean towards supporting transparency and fairness in funding distribution. Advocates for the bill likely believe that it will improve the allocation of state resources to higher education institutions, promoting better educational outcomes. However, there could also be concerns among those who support athletic programs, as the exclusion of student athletic fees from funding calculations may impact the budgetary considerations of such programs, leading to pushback from athletic departments and student organizations reliant on those funds.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB 741 revolves around the balance of financial support for athletic programs versus academic funding. While the intent is to create a fair funding formula, stakeholders may argue that student athletics play a significant role in the overall university experience and can enhance student engagement and school spirit. Thus, the exclusion of mandatory athletic fees from funding considerations may not align with the interests of all students and institutions, sparking debate about the prioritization of academic vs. athletic funding.