Establishes the Athletic Trainer Professional Development Program in the Dept. of Education and provides for administration, qualification, and implementation of the various components of the program (EN -$1,500,000 GF RV See Note)
Impact
The introduction of HB 736 directly impacts Louisiana's educational infrastructure concerning athletic training. By implementing a loan repayment program, the state incentivizes athletic trainers to work in rural schools, addressing gaps in health and safety support for athletes. This financial assistance is critical for encouraging more professionals to serve in these underserved areas, ultimately aiming to improve athletic training standards across the state. Additionally, it mandates the Department of Education to develop recruitment strategies specifically catered to rural regions.
Summary
House Bill 736 establishes the Athletic Trainer Professional Development Program within the Department of Education. This initiative targets the shortage of certified athletic trainers in rural areas of Louisiana by creating a structured plan for their recruitment and retention. The program is designed to enhance the number of trained professionals available to high schools, ensuring that students in less populous parishes have access to necessary athletic training services. The bill provides specific details on the administration, qualifications, and funding mechanism for the program.
Sentiment
The reception of HB 736 has largely been supportive, as stakeholders recognize the necessity of enhanced athletic training resources in rural schools. Educators and health advocates view the bill as a vital step toward ensuring student safety and well-being during sports activities. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of funding and whether the allotted resources will be sufficient for the program's long-term sustainability. Overall, the sentiment is positive but cautious, emphasizing the importance of proper implementation.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its objectives, debate has emerged over the specific funding allocation and how effectively the program can be rolled out. Critics have pointed out that the $1.5 million appropriation may not suffice given the anticipated costs of the loan repayment plan and the necessary promotions to recruit trainers. Stakeholders are also concerned about the potential bureaucratic hurdles that the program might face in its establishment and funding distribution. These issues highlight the importance of thorough planning and resource allocation to ensure the program's success.
Establishes the Future of Louisiana Program and provides for the administration of, distributions from, and qualifications for such program (OR -$140,000,000 GF RV See Note)
Relating to athletic trainers; to create the Athletic Trainer Secondary School Incentive Program; to provide grants to local boards of education that meet certain requirements related to the use of athletic trainers in rural, 1A, 2A, 3A, and Title I secondary schools; to authorize the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers to adopt rules to administer the incentive program and the grant application process; to require grants issued from the incentive program to be provided as stipends to qualifying athletic trainers; and to limit each secondary school and athletic trainer to one grant per school year.
Relating to athletic trainers; to create the Athletic Trainer Secondary School Incentive Program; to provide grants to local boards of education that meet certain requirements related to the use of athletic trainers in rural and Title I secondary schools; to authorize the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers to adopt rules to administer the incentive program and the grant application process; to require grants issued from the incentive program to be provided as stipends to qualifying athletic trainers; and to limit each secondary school and athletic trainer to one grant per school year.
Establishes the La. Dividend Program within the Dept. of Treasury and provides for funding, administration, qualifications, and restrictions (RR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
Establishes the High Impact Job Program within Louisiana Economic Development and provides for administration of the program (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Rural Development Fund and to the establishment, operation, and funding of certain programs for rural economic development.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.