Requires public postsecondary education management boards to establish policies for forgiveness of unpaid student tuition and fees of certain students who have resigned and seek reenrollment (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)
Impact
The introduction of HB 121 represents a significant change in state laws regarding postsecondary education financing. By allowing for the forgiveness of unpaid fees, the bill seeks to remove barriers that may prevent returning students from continuing their education. This policy could encourage higher education attainment among adult learners and is aimed at enhancing opportunities for individuals who may have initially faced challenges in completing their education. It emphasizes a commitment to reintegrating those who have previously disengaged from the educational process.
Summary
House Bill 121 aims to alleviate the financial burden on adult students seeking to return to public postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. It requires public management boards to develop policies that allow for the forgiveness of delinquent tuition and fees for students who have withdrawn and want to reenroll. This waiver is specifically targeted at students over the age of 25 who meet certain criteria, such as having left the institution at least three years prior and being focused on completing their undergraduate degree.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 121 has generally been favorable among educators and advocates for adult education. Supporters argue that the bill represents a compassionate approach to higher education that acknowledges the diverse needs of students. However, there are concerns regarding the fiscal implications of forgiving tuition debts and the potential administrative burden on public institutions tasked with implementing these new policies. Some critics may view the bill as an inconvenience to existing collection processes for institutional debts.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 121 include apprehension about its implementation and the impact on state revenue from delinquent fees. Critics worry that forgiving these debts may lead to reduced funding for public education or incentivize future students to withdraw knowing they might benefit from a waiver upon returning. Additionally, discussions might arise over the age threshold of 25, questioning whether this policy adequately addresses the needs of younger students who may also require similar financial relief.
Requires public postsecondary education management boards to establish policies for forgiveness of outstanding student fee balances of certain students who have resigned and seek reenrollment (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes, with limitations, public postsecondary education management boards to establish and increase student tuition and mandatory fees (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes the public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and fee amounts under certain circumstances (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and provides for limitations and exceptions (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and provides for limitations and exceptions (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Extends, with limitations, the authority of public postsecondary education management boards to establish and increase student fees (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Authorizes the public postsecondary education management boards to increase tuition and fee amounts under certain circumstances (EG SEE FISC NOTE SG RV See Note)
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.