Requests the Department of Education to study the feasibility of establishing a Louisiana high school athletic agency within the department to administer high school intrastate interscholastic athletics.
Impact
If implemented, this bill could significantly alter the governance of high school athletics in Louisiana by introducing a state agency tasked with administering regulations and standards for interscholastic sports. Currently, the LHSAA functions independently, leading to criticisms of a lack of oversight and transparency. The proposed agency would likely enhance accountability and ensure that all participating schools, especially public institutions, adhere to equitable processes and standards, potentially affecting policies related to student eligibility and competition standards.
Summary
Senate Resolution 147 urges the Louisiana Department of Education to study the feasibility of establishing a state-level agency to oversee high school intrastate interscholastic athletics. This proposal arises from concerns regarding the effectiveness and fairness of the current regulatory framework under the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). The resolution emphasizes the state's interest in ensuring due process protections for athletes and institutions involved in these sports, particularly in light of recent legal rulings that have categorized the LHSAA as a private entity, thereby exempting it from certain obligations such as open meeting laws.
Sentiment
The sentiment expressed around SR147 reflects a growing concern among educators, lawmakers, and parents regarding the integrity and oversight of high school athletics. Proponents believe that a state agency could provide the necessary oversight to protect student athletes' rights and ensure a fair system, particularly following controversies and allegations of mismanagement within the existing system. However, there may be apprehension from some stakeholders about increased bureaucracy and the potential for state overreach into local affairs.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the perception of the LHSAA's current operational independence and its implications for due process and transparency. Critics argue that the lack of oversight allows for arbitrary decisions that can unjustly affect students’ athletic eligibility and opportunities. The resolution implies a transition to a more structured and potentially centralized approach, raising questions about the balance of power between local athletic associations and state governance.
Requests the Senate Committee on Education to study the feasibility of having legislative oversight over certain disciplinary decisions made by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.
Requests the LHSAA to study current practices of member schools concerning the awarding of athletic letters, jackets, patches, and other indicia to student athletes who are members of a team for at least three years during high school.
Requests that the La. High School Athletic Assoc. (LHSAA) take immediate action in reconsidering a ruling relative to student eligibility and that the LHSAA develop a procedure for the association to verify student eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics at a given school prior to initial participation
Requests the Department of Education to study the feasibility of requiring public school governing authorities to encourage and assist high school seniors and their parents to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.