Louisiana House Bill HB467

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/19
• Refer: 3/29/19
• Refer: 4/8/19

Caption

Provides relative to elective participation by school boards in the La. Optical Network Infrastructure (LONI) and for LONI's inclusion in the statewide educational technology plan

Impact

The implications of HB 467 are substantial for state education policies, as it aims to centralize the role of internet bandwidth in educational settings. By having the Department of Education oversee the inclusion of LONI in the statewide plan, the bill could streamline how resources are distributed among school boards and ensure that all educational institutions can benefit from high-speed internet services. This is particularly relevant given the increasing reliance on digital learning tools and resources in modern education. Advocates argue that this law will help close the technology gap faced by many schools, particularly in underserved areas, by providing them with the necessary infrastructure to enhance educational outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 467, introduced by Representative Robert Johnson, pertains to the enhancement of education technology within Louisiana. The bill mandates that the state Department of Education includes available internet bandwidth assets, particularly those from the Louisiana Optical Network Infrastructure (LONI), in its statewide educational technology plan. Moreover, it seeks to authorize the elective participation of local school boards in utilizing these resources, thus ensuring greater access to technological assets across the state's public schools. This initiative builds on existing laws that require collaboration between the Department of Education and the Board of Regents to facilitate access to Internet bandwidth via open proposal processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 467 appears generally positive among education advocates and technology proponents, who view it as a necessary step towards modernizing educational infrastructure. Supporters argue that greater access to reliable internet resources will facilitate improved learning experiences and digital literacy among students. However, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the cost implications and the implementation of the required technology, cautioning that effective rollout will be crucial for the bill’s success. The overall perception indicates an understanding of the bill's importance but highlights the need for careful execution and monitoring.

Contention

While HB 467 enjoys support, points of contention may arise around the equitable distribution of resources and the implementation timeline. Some local entities may worry about their ability to participate in LONI effectively or the potential bureaucratic hurdles in accessing these resources. There might also be concerns regarding how the inclusion in the statewide educational technology plan will affect local initiative and autonomy in technology procurement and use. These discussions reflect broader themes of centralized versus localized control in education policy, potentially revealing divides among stakeholders regarding governance and access.