Louisiana House Bill HB194

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/8/13
• Report Pass: 4/30/13

Caption

Provides relative to the authority of public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and mandatory fee amounts (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 194 would significantly modify existing laws governing tuition and mandatory fees at public higher education institutions. By delegating the authority to management boards, the bill aims to streamline the process of approving tuition increases, which previously required more stringent legislative action. However, it maintains that any such increases need to adhere to a framework established by the Board of Regents, bolstering accountability for how financial changes are implemented at the institutional level.

Summary

House Bill 194 establishes the authority for public postsecondary education management boards in Louisiana to increase tuition and mandatory fees for resident students. This bill allows for such increases to be made in accordance with a tuition policy that must be approved by the state's Board of Regents and the legislature. The intent of the bill is to provide a standardized process for tuition adjustments while ensuring legislative oversight of these changes. The management boards are also granted the ability to impose these fees on a per-credit-hour basis and require a minimum percentage of the generated funds to assist students demonstrating financial need.

Sentiment

Reactions to HB 194 have been mixed. Supporters argue that this bill offers much-needed flexibility for universities to address rising costs associated with higher education and provides a clear mechanism to enhance funding for financial aid. This sentiment is echoed by proponents who highlight the importance of responding effectively to economic challenges within the education sector. Conversely, detractors express concern that frequent tuition increases could disproportionately affect students from low-income backgrounds, particularly if sufficient financial aid measures are not implemented alongside these changes.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB 194 include its potential implications for access to higher education and finances. Critics fear that the bill might lead to an unsustainable rise in tuition costs, particularly if institutional performance metrics are not clearly defined, allowing for increases without accountability. Furthermore, questions remain about the adequacy of financial assistance provisions specified in the bill, prompting debates about balancing institutional financial needs against student affordability.