Louisiana Senate Bill SCR95

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/22/14
• Refer: 4/23/14
• Report Pass: 5/5/14
• Passed: 5/6/14
• Engrossed: 5/6/14
• Refer: 5/7/14
• Report Pass: 5/21/14

Caption

Requests the Department of Education to issue a report as to the number of joint-use agreements in place throughout the state and include a plan to promote the use of such agreements.

Impact

If successfully implementing SCR95, the Department of Education will be tasked with conducting a survey to identify the current state of joint-use agreements within Louisiana. This initiative could significantly impact state laws by formally documenting the presence and prevalence of these agreements while outlining obstacles that prevent their wider adoption. Additionally, the Department is expected to develop a strategic plan to promote and facilitate the establishment of joint-use agreements statewide.

Summary

SCR95 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges the Department of Education to assess the barriers that hinder the establishment of joint-use agreements between schools and local governing entities. These agreements allow shared use of school properties and facilities, which can provide numerous benefits, such as increased physical activity opportunities and reduced costs for both schools and municipalities. The resolution highlights an ongoing concern with the limited utilization of such agreements, despite existing legislation aimed at encouraging their formation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR95 appears to be overwhelmingly supportive, as it addresses a need for increased collaboration between schools and local governments. The acknowledgment of potential benefits, including enhanced community engagement and social cohesion, suggests a collective interest in improving community health outcomes. While there have been no substantial public objections noted in the available discussions, the resolution aims to create a tangible action plan that could face challenges in implementation due to resource constraints or local governance dynamics.

Contention

The main point of contention around SCR95 could arise from the varied interests of stakeholders, including schools, local governments, and community organizations. While the intent is to foster collaboration and shared resource utilization, there may be differing opinions on how to implement these agreements effectively, particularly regarding liability concerns and the management of shared facilities. The resolution requests a report to be delivered by February 1, 2015, which will likely initiate broader discussions on the effectiveness of joint-use agreements and the feasibility of the proposed strategies.