The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jeanne C. Johnston.
DIGEST
SB 175 Original 2015 Regular Session Appel
Proposed law makes technical changes to present law.
Present law requires the Board of Regents (board) to formulate and establish geographic regions of
the state in order to maximize the use of the instructional and physical resources of existing state
postsecondary educational institutions and regionally accredited independent postsecondary
educational institutions. Further requires the board to establish the regions such that at least one
public institution of higher education which awards baccalaureate degrees shall be within the
geographic boundaries of, or shall be assigned by the board to, each region.
Proposed law retains these provisions.
Present law requires the board to evaluate the instructional and physical resources of existing
postsecondary institutions within each region of the state, including the resources of existing higher
education institutions, and assure the maximum use of these resources before recommending the
creation of any new postsecondary institution within the region. Provides that the board may provide
for the use within a region of existing resources from outside the region before recommending the
creation of any new postsecondary institution within the region. Further provides that the evaluation
be used to create efficiencies, increase student access, enhance academic quality, further the goals
of the master plan for postsecondary education, and any other purpose that advances postsecondary
education in each region or the state as a whole.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law requires the board to determine if a region is over-served or under-served by the
postsecondary educational institutions within the region and consider whether any of the following
would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of public postsecondary educational
services within a region:
(1)The merger of two or more existing postsecondary institutions.
(2)Converting a nondegree granting postsecondary institution to an institution which grants
degrees.
(3)Converting a college or university which is limited to offering degrees of a lower rank than
baccalaureate to a college or university that offers baccalaureate degrees.
(4)Converting a college or university which offers baccalaureate degrees to a college or
university that is limited to offering degrees of a lower rank. (5)Transferring a college or university from one postsecondary management board to another.
(6)Closure of a postsecondary educational institution.
Present law requires the board to adopt such policies and take such actions deemed appropriate and
necessary to maximize the use of all resources available to support and promote postsecondary
education in the state, with the exception of those matters enumerated in Article VIII, Section 5 of
the Constitution of Louisiana that require legislative approval.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law requires the board to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to
the Senate and House committees on education not later than January 30, 2016.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:3126)