Louisiana House Bill HB410

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/1/21
• Refer: 4/1/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 4/28/21
• Engrossed: 5/6/21
• Refer: 5/10/21
• Refer: 6/2/21
• Report Pass: 6/6/21
• Enrolled: 6/8/21
• Chaptered: 6/18/21
• Passed: 6/18/21

Caption

Authorizes the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors to impose course fees associated with the aviation program at Louisiana State University at Alexandria (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)

Impact

The implementation of HB 410 is expected to influence state laws pertaining to higher education, particularly in how public universities can fund specialized programs through student fees. By enabling LSU to directly charge students for aviation courses, the bill seeks to bolster the financial sustainability of these programs, potentially enhancing educational outcomes and training opportunities within Louisiana's aviation sector. Such measures may also set a precedent for other educational institutions in the state to follow suit in establishing targeted course fees to better manage funding challenges in specialized areas.

Summary

House Bill 410 authorizes the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College to impose specific course fees for certain courses in the aviation program at Louisiana State University at Alexandria. This bill sets out the exact amounts for each course, which range from $4,600 for introductory pilot courses to $16,648 for commercial pilot courses. The establishment of these fees is framed within the state’s constitutional provisions regarding the authority of higher education institutions, aiming to enhance the aviation program's financial viability and operational efficacy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 410 appears to be positive, particularly among supporters of the aviation program and its anticipated benefits for students pursuing careers in aviation. With unanimous support during the legislative process, as indicated by the voting history showing 98 yeas and no nays, the bill reflects a consensus on the necessity of funding and supporting specialized educational tracks. Stakeholders likely view these fee structures as a means to elevate the program's quality and relevance in an industry that demands high training standards.

Contention

While the bill passed without opposition, it is important to consider the broader context of imposing course fees within public education, which can raise concerns about accessibility and equity. Critics may argue that additional fees could deter low-income students from engaging in these specialized training programs, reinforcing existing disparities in access to higher education. There may be ongoing debates regarding the balance between funding specialized programs and ensuring equitable access for all students, suggesting that while HB 410 is a step towards program enhancement, it could also necessitate discussions about financial aid and support for disadvantaged students.