Louisiana Senate Bill SB43

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/18
• Refer: 2/21/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 3/27/18
• Refer: 4/3/18

Caption

Constitutional Amendment to abolish the Board of Regents and the postsecondary management boards and transfer their powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities to a newly created Board of Trustees for Postsecondary Education. (2/3-CA13sl(A)) (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

If passed, the bill will amend several articles of the Louisiana Constitution, specifically targeting sections related to the governance of higher education. The establishment of the Board of Trustees as a single governing body is intended to provide centralized oversight, addressing concerns about fragmentation and inconsistency in educational standards and program management. The implementation is slated to be effective on January 1, 2020, outsourcing the legislative jurisdiction to frame laws concerning operational management of universities to this centralized board, thus changing how educational institutions will operate under state governance.

Summary

Senate Bill 43 proposes a significant restructuring of Louisiana's system for overseeing public postsecondary education. The bill aims to abolish the existing Board of Regents and various postsecondary management boards, transferring their powers, responsibilities, and functions to a newly created Board of Trustees for Postsecondary Education. This transition is intended to streamline governance and ensure more coherent management across public postsecondary institutions in the state. It is positioned as a measure to enhance the efficiency and accountability of higher education governance in Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 43 appears to reflect a mix of optimism and concern. Proponents argue that centralization of management will lead to more effective governance and improved budgeting practices within the higher education sector. They cite potential benefits such as enhanced coordination of programs and resources across institutions. Conversely, critics express apprehension that abolishing the existing boards might undermine local oversight and responsiveness to the specific educational needs of various communities, fearing a one-size-fits-all approach to governance that could neglect local issues of significance.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the shift in power dynamics and potential impacts on local control. Advocates for maintaining the current structure highlight the importance of localized oversight in educational governance, fearing that a centralized system could lead to decisions that fail to consider regional educational priorities. Additionally, the transition period outlined in the bill necessitates legislative and executive actions that some lawmakers believe may not adequately address the logistical challenges of implementing such a sweeping reform in a timely manner.