Requires the boards of supervisors for the Louisiana State University, Southern University, University of Louisiana and Louisiana Community and Technical College systems to broadcast the live audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge on the Internet. (1/1/14) (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
The passage of SB 59 reinforces existing laws that require open meetings for public entities while expanding upon them by necessitating internet broadcasts. This legislation is expected to change how educational boards operate, pushing them towards more modern practices and fostering greater community engagement. It eliminates barriers for public participation and observation, allowing citizens to stay informed about decisions affecting their educational institutions. However, it specifically excludes executive sessions, maintaining some confidentiality in sensitive discussions.
Senate Bill 59 mandates that the boards of supervisors for key educational institutions in Louisiana, including the Louisiana State University (LSU), Southern University (SU), University of Louisiana (UL), and the Louisiana Community and Technical College (LCTCS) systems, must broadcast their meetings live over the internet. This initiative is a move towards enhanced transparency in educational governance, aiming to make board proceedings more accessible to the public. The bill stipulates that all meetings held in Baton Rouge are to be both live-streamed and recorded, with the archives made available for public access for a minimum of one year after the meeting date.
The sentiment surrounding SB 59 has generally been positive among advocates for transparency and public accountability in educational governance. Supporters argue that this bill caters to the contemporary demands for openness in governmental activities, fostering trust between educational institutions and the public. On the other hand, concerns have been raised about the technological challenges some boards may face in implementing these broadcasts, especially in areas with limited resources. These technical considerations could lead to disparities in compliance across different regions.
Notable points of contention include the feasibility of live broadcasting, with concerns that not all institutions might have the necessary infrastructure to meet the requirements laid out in the bill. Furthermore, the bill's provision that prevents the broadcasts from being considered official records of the meetings may lead to confusion regarding what constitutes the official documentation of board proceedings. Some legislators have voiced concerns regarding the potential misuse of recorded sessions by third parties, which could affect board members' willingness to discuss sensitive issues candidly.