Louisiana House Bill HB342

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/17
• Refer: 3/30/17
• Refer: 4/10/17

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes the Board of Regents and transfers certain board powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created board (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

By restructuring the governance of public postsecondary education, the bill could lead to more streamlined oversight and potentially more responsive decision-making processes. The powers transferred to the new Board of Trustees will include responsibilities for planning, coordinating, and having budgetary control over public postsecondary education. Additionally, the bill mandates a formula for equitable fund distribution and requires external audits for transparency. These changes are expected to influence how educational funds are allocated and spent, potentially improving educational outcomes and fiscal accountability.

Summary

House Bill 342 proposes a constitutional amendment that aims to fundamentally change the governance structure of public postsecondary education in Louisiana. This legislation will abolish the existing Board of Regents and replace it with the Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees. This new board is designed to take over specific powers and responsibilities from the Board of Regents while maintaining some of the administrative functions of postsecondary institutions across the state. The transition is to take place on July 1, 2019, which marks a significant shift in how higher education is managed at the state level.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 342 appears to be mixed, with proponents advocating that the new governance structure will make for a more effective and efficient oversight of higher education in Louisiana. Critics, however, may express concerns about the potential loss of oversight functions traditionally held by the Board of Regents, fearing that abolishing it might centralize too much power in the newly formed board. Additionally, discussions have highlighted worries about the adequacy of the transition plan and whether the new structure will genuinely meet the diverse needs of Louisiana's educational institutions.

Contention

Notably, the contention revolves around the broad scope of powers being transferred from the abolished Board of Regents to the newly established Board of Trustees. Critics question whether the reduction in oversight mechanisms might undermine educational integrity and responsiveness to local educational needs. The bill also raises questions about how the changes in governance will be implemented and the long-term effects on educational policy, funding equity, and institutional accountability within the state. These discussions spotlight the critical balance of power between state governance and educational autonomy.