DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Foil HB No. 671
Abstract: Authorizes each public postsecondary education management board to impose a
building use fee and tuition and fees for distance education degree programs; authorizes
the LSU Bd. of Supervisors to impose certain fees for the dental school in New Orleans
and for graduate digital media programs at LSU-Baton Rouge.
Proposed law authorizes each public postsecondary management board to impose the following:
(1) Tuition and attendance fees for students in an academic degree program offered entirely
through distance education, as defined by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools (SACS), when such program is comparable to a program offered through
traditional in-person classroom instruction.
(2)A building use fee in an amount not to exceed $48 per semester or any higher fee amount
otherwise specifically authorized by present law.
Proposed law authorizes the LSU Board of Supervisors to impose the following:
At LSU-Baton Rouge:
A digital media program fee for students in graduate and professional degree programs in digital
media in an amount not to exceed $2,500 per semester.
At LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans School of Dentistry:
(1) For 2013-2014 and thereafter, a dental supply fee of $300 per academic year for students
in the doctor of dental surgery program, the dental hygiene program, and the dental
laboratory technology program.
(2) For 2013-2014 and thereafter, a prosthetic device fee of $275 per academic year for
second-year students in the doctor of dental surgery program.
(3)Retains present law requirement that the board establish criteria for hardship waivers and
make information about them available to prospective students.
Proposed law, applicable to all of the above proposed law: (1)Effective for the Fall 2013 semester and thereafter except as otherwise indicated.
(2)Each board may impose proportional amounts for part-time students and for summer
sessions.
(3)Each board shall establish criteria for hardship waivers and make information about them
available to prospective students.
(4) Provides that authority granted by all proposed law is in addition to any authority granted
by present law, including the GRAD Act.
(5)Provides that it is in accordance with present constitution, which provides that any new
fee imposed or assessed by a state board or agency must be enacted by law by a 2/3 vote
of the elected members of each house of the legislature.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:3351.11(E) and 3351.17-3351.19)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill.
1. Deletes proposed law authority granted to LSU Bd. of Supervisors to impose a
technology and infrastructure enhancement fee at LSU-Baton Rouge and instead
authorizes the board to impose a facilities use and maintenance fee at all institutions
under its management and supervision.
House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill.
1. Deletes proposed law authority granted to LSU Bd. of Supervisors to impose a
facilities use and maintenance fee and instead authorizes each public postsecondary
education management board to impose a building use fee.
2. Grants to the other public postsecondary management boards the same proposed law
authority granted to the LSU Bd. of Supervisors relative to imposing tuition and
attendance fees for distance education degree programs.