The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Martha S. Hess.
DIGEST
SB 224 Original 2017 Regular Session Peterson
Present law creates the Health Education Authority of Louisiana (HEAL or agency) within the
Department of Education, as a body corporate and public, constituting an instrumentality of the state
and exercising public and essential governmental functions.
Present law provides that the HEAL shall operate to assist public and private institutions and
organizations that are dedicated to exemplary patient care, health science education and biomedical
research, as well as organizations providing facilities or services deemed appropriate to the authority.
Present law includes a nine member board of trustees made up of one from each of the five public
service commission districts and four at-large members, all appointed by and serving at the pleasure
of the governor. Present law further establishes that a majority of the appointed members constitute
a quorum. Proposed law repeals present law.
Present law further provides that the board shall employ a professionally qualified executive director
to carry out the policies established by the board. Proposed law repeals present law.
Present law establishes a cap for bond issuances by HEAL in the amount of $800 million. Proposed
law retains present law.
Present law provides that no bonds of the authority shall be issued or sold by the authority without
the prior approval of the State Bond Commission. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law places HEAL within the Department of Education. Proposed law abolishes HEAL and
transfers all of its powers, duties, functions, immunities, restrictions, and exemptions from taxation
under any laws, to the office of the governor effective July 1, 2017. Proposed law further provides
that after HEAL is abolished and its powers, duties, functions, immunities, restrictions, and
exemptions from taxation are transferred to the office of the governor, thereafter the governor shall
have and exercise all of the executive and administrative functions provided by the constitution or
laws with respect to HEAL.
Proposed law removes reference to the board of the authority and to the executive director of the
authority.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:3052(2), 3053(B), 3053.1, 3054, and 3059, and R.S. 36:921(A); adds R.S.
17:3051.1 and R.S. 36:4(BB); repeals R.S. 17:3052 (3) and (5), and 3053(C) through (G), and R.S.
36:651(D)(10))