Louisiana House Bill HCR24

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/19
• Refer: 4/15/19
• Report Pass: 5/7/19
• Engrossed: 5/21/19
• Refer: 5/22/19
• Report Pass: 5/31/19
• Passed: 6/3/19

Caption

Requests that Bd. of Regents study how to meet education, economic, and workforce needs of the Shreveport-Bossier region, including through establishment of Southern Univ. Law Center campus in Shreveport

Impact

If fully executed, the resolution would require the Board of Regents to assess the feasibility of creating a new branch of an established institution of postsecondary education within the Shreveport-Bossier area. This aligns with their constitutional responsibilities as per Article VIII, Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution. The outcomes of this study may influence higher education infrastructure developments and help to enhance local economic conditions through improved educational offerings.

Summary

HCR24 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the Board of Regents to conduct a study aimed at addressing legal education and economic workforce needs in the Shreveport-Bossier region of Louisiana. The resolution emphasizes the necessity of establishing a campus of the Southern University Law Center in Shreveport as a potential means to meet these needs. It highlights that access to a juris doctor program in the area is crucial, particularly since the region is currently underserved in terms of legal education opportunities.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR24 is generally positive, as it seeks to bolster educational opportunities which are perceived as vital for regional economic growth. Legislative support appears to be unified, reflected by the unanimous nature of the voting, which suggests a collective acknowledgment of the need for improved access to legal education in the region. There is a shared interest among legislators and constituents in fostering initiatives that can lead to enhanced workforce capabilities.

Contention

While the resolution does not appear to have significant opposition, it does raise points of discussion regarding the allocation of state resources and priorities in higher education. Concerns could potentially arise over whether establishing a new law center campus is the best approach to address regional educational gaps or if alternative solutions might be more effective. The need for broader engagement with local stakeholders and institutions could also be a point of focus during the study phase.