(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for appropriations from the Education Excellence Fund (RE SEE FISC NOTE SD See Note)
Impact
If enacted, HB 250 would permit the allocation of state funding specifically for the new French immersion school, expanding the reach of the Education Excellence Fund to accommodate this institution. Under the current constitutional framework, this fund is designated for specific educational enhancements across multiple public and nonpublic schools. By amending the constitution to include École Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana would be reinforcing its commitment to bilingual education and cultural heritage preservation.
Summary
House Bill 250 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow appropriations from the Education Excellence Fund for a French immersion school, École Pointe-au-Chien, located in Terrebonne Parish. This bill seeks to expand the funding provisions already available within the Education Excellence Fund, which primarily supports various educational institutions and activities related to pre-K through 12 education in Louisiana. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance educational diversity and opportunity, particularly for French language education in the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 250 appears largely favorable among legislators, moving decisively through the House with a unanimous vote of 98 to 0, indicating strong bipartisan support. The reception suggests that legislators view the proposed funding as a positive step toward enriching educational options in Louisiana, particularly for advocating language diversity and meeting the educational needs of French-speaking families.
Contention
While the bill received overwhelming support, there are underlying concerns regarding the prioritization of funding within the Education Excellence Fund. Some critics may express worries about the implications for existing schools and programs that also rely on this fund, questioning whether the inclusion of a new institution might divert resources away from established educational initiatives. However, such contention has not significantly impeded the bill's progress thus far.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for accounts within the Education Excellence Fund and the deposit of certain gaming revenues into the fund (OR +$3,600,000 SD RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the maximum amount of monies in certain funds that may be invested in stocks (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) provides for the dedication of certain monies within the Millennium Trust for the TOPS program (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Constitutional amendment to repeal certain constitutionally dedicated and protected allocations and funds. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF RV See Note)
Authorizes local taxing authorities to impose additional sales and use taxes pursuant to Article VI, Section 30(B) of the Louisiana Constitution (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)
Provides relative to the state sales and use tax exemptions for food for home consumption, residential utilities, and prescription drugs (OR NO IMPACT GF RV See Note)
Provides relative to the printing of certain constitutional provisions regarding disqualification from holding elective office that were unconstitutionally adopted
Constitutional Amendment to abolish the Board of Regents and the postsecondary management boards and transfer their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)