Louisiana House Bill HB169

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/16
• Refer: 2/26/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The proposed amendments would transfer powers, duties, and responsibilities from the abolished boards to the newly created Board of Trustees. This includes oversight for all public postsecondary education, such as planning, coordinating, and budgetary responsibilities. Moreover, the Board of Trustees would have the authority to approve or modify academic programs and institutions, which could foster a more adaptive educational framework in response to changing societal needs. The impact on state laws would be substantial as several existing provisions in the Louisiana Constitution governing education would need to be amended or repealed.

Summary

House Bill 169 proposes a constitutional amendment that would significantly change the governance structure for public postsecondary education in Louisiana. The bill seeks to abolish the existing Board of Regents and the four management boards responsible for higher education supervision. In their place, the Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees would be established as a unified governing body. This streamlined approach is aimed at enhancing governance efficiency and accountability across Louisiana's public higher education institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 169 appears to be a mix of optimism and skepticism. Supporters highlight the need for a more cohesive and responsive educational governance structure that could enhance educational outcomes and operational efficiency. On the other hand, there are concerns regarding the centralization of power and whether a single board can adequately represent the diverse needs of various educational institutions across the state. This debate reflects a broader concern about maintaining localized oversight amid efforts to streamline governance.

Contention

Key points of contention include the potential loss of localized management that various institutions currently enjoy under the existing system. Critics argue that having a single board could diminish representation and responsiveness to the unique challenges faced by different universities and colleges throughout Louisiana. Furthermore, the implications for budget allocations and resource distribution have raised alarms, particularly concerning how well the new Board of Trustees would prioritize funding across a wide array of educational programs.