Louisiana House Bill HB411

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/15
• Refer: 4/2/15
• Refer: 4/13/15
• Refer: 5/12/15
• Refer: 5/13/15

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the authority to set admission standards at public postsecondary education institutions (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

Impact

Should HB 411 be enacted, it would lead to significant changes in how public colleges and universities in Louisiana set their admission standards. The proposed constitutional amendment indicates that the distribution of funds to these institutions will not depend on specific admission standards, thereby enabling each management board to determine admission criteria based on unique institutional missions and community needs, rather than being subjected to a broader statewide policy.

Summary

House Bill 411, proposed by Representative James, aims to amend Article VIII, Section 5(D)(4) of the Louisiana Constitution by shifting the authority to set admission standards at public postsecondary education institutions from the Board of Regents to the various higher education management boards. This bill seeks to provide these management boards with a clearer governance structure that can better address local educational needs and standards without being contingent on a master plan from the Board of Regents.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 411 has generated a mix of support and skepticism among legislators and stakeholders in higher education. Advocates argue that this bill empowers local institutions to tailor admission standards that reflect their specific requirements and demographics. Conversely, some critics worry that this decentralization could lead to inconsistencies in educational standards across the state, potentially diminishing the quality of education as institutions might adopt less rigorous admission criteria to boost enrollment.

Contention

Notable points of contention include fears over the potential for inequitable treatment of students, as different management boards could implement vastly different standards. Critics also raise concerns about accountability and the possibility of decreased oversight on the educational quality of schools in the state if admission standards diverge widely. The debate surrounding HB 411 highlights a broader discussion about balancing local control with the necessity for uniform standards in education.