RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 57 (SB 79) 2020 Regular Session Abraham
New law creates the La. Cybersecurity Initiative Fund (fund) for the purpose of funding
degree and certificate programs in cybersecurity fields in order to meet workforce needs and
provides the following:
(1)Fund monies shall be appropriated to the Board of Regents to be distributed to public
postsecondary education institutions.
(2)Institutions shall use the funds for expansion of cybersecurity programs.
(3)Public postsecondary education management boards shall certify that a match of at
least 25% is guaranteed by a private entity.
(4)Fund monies shall not be included in the public postsecondary funding formula
calculation and are in addition to, and shall not affect, any state general fund
allocations to institutions.
(5)The Board of Regents shall annually submit a report to certain legislative committees
containing specified information relative to the fund.
New law creates the Cybersecurity Education Management Council under the auspices of the
Board of Regents for the purpose of advising and making recommendations to the Board of
Regents with respect to distributions from the fund. Requires the council to annually review
and approve the list of degree and certificate programs upon which the distribution is based
and the final distribution amounts.
New law provides for council membership as follows:
(1)Two members appointed by the governor.
(2)The commissioner of higher education or his designee.
(3)A representative of the state Dept. of Education with expertise in science, technology,
engineering, and math education appointed by the state superintendent of education.
(4)The president of the La. Chemical Assoc. or his designee.
(5)The president of the La. State University System or his designee.
(6)The president of the Southern University System or his designee.
(7)The president of the University of La. System or his designee.
(8)The president of the La. Community and Technical College System or his designee.
(9)The secretary of the La. Workforce Commission or his designee.
(10)The secretary of the La. Dept. of Economic Development or his designee.
New law further requires:
(1)A vacancy to be filled in the same manner as the original appointment and members
to elect a chairman, vice chairman, and other officers as they deem necessary.
(2)Members to serve without compensation; they shall be reimbursed for actual
expenses to the extent that funds are made available.
(3)The council to meet at least quarterly; special meetings shall be held on call of the
chairman or of a quorum of the members of the council. (4)The council to be domiciled in Baton Rouge, but it may hold public meetings
elsewhere.
Effective August 1, 2020.
(Adds R.S. 17:3138.9 and R.S. 36:651(G)(9))