Louisiana House Bill HB61

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/15
• Refer: 3/9/15
• Refer: 4/13/15
• Refer: 5/6/15
• Refer: 5/7/15
• Report Pass: 5/11/15
• Engrossed: 5/20/15
• Refer: 5/21/15
• Refer: 5/27/15
• Report Pass: 6/4/15

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Exempts public postsecondary education tuition and fees from requirements for imposing a new or increasing an existing fee and provides relative to the authority to set tuition and fees (RR1 SEE FISC NOTE SG RV See Note)

Impact

By exempting public postsecondary education institutions from the two-thirds voting requirement, HB61 seeks to facilitate more responsive and flexible management of tuition rates. Proponents argue that this change could help institutions adapt more swiftly to financial pressures and rising operational costs, ultimately benefiting students by providing more consistent funding streams for educational programs. If passed, the amendment would become effective on January 1, 2016, directly impacting the financial governance structure of higher education in Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 61 proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of Louisiana, specifically targeting the governance of public postsecondary education institutions. The bill aims to remove the existing requirement that any new or increased tuition and fees charged by these institutions must be approved by a two-thirds vote in the legislature. Instead, it allows for such charges to be established by a simple majority vote of the legislature, or through delegation as provided by law. This amendment would effectively streamline the process for managing tuition and fee adjustments across public colleges and universities in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB61 is mixed and reflects broader political and educational debates. Supporters primarily view the amendment as a necessary reform that empowers educational institutions to respond to funding challenges without being hindered by legislative gridlock. In contrast, critics express concerns about the potential for unchecked tuition hikes without the safeguard of wider legislative oversight. This debate highlights the tension between the need for institutional flexibility and the desire for accountability in public spending.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around the balance of power between the legislature and educational management boards. Opponents of the bill argue that removing the two-thirds vote requirement could lead to arbitrary fee increases, placing a higher financial burden on students and their families. Supporters counter that the bill maintains appropriate management oversight while ensuring that institutions have the necessary leeway to manage their finances responsibly. The legislative history indicates a strong sense of urgency among proponents to deliver a more adaptable framework for funding public higher education.