Provides for the Postsecondary Inclusive Education Fund for funding programs for students with intellectual disabilities. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The introduction of this fund has the potential to transform the landscape of postsecondary education in Louisiana for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It allows institutions to receive specific state funding geared towards implementing educational programs that accommodate and support these students. Moreover, the fund will not supplant existing state allocations to these institutions, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to enhancing educational access without detracting from other funding sources. This financial backing could lead to increased enrollment and successful transitions into the workforce for affected students, reflective of broader progress toward inclusivity in higher education.
Summary
Senate Bill 192 establishes the Postsecondary Inclusive Education Fund in Louisiana, aimed at funding inclusive postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The fund is set to support the creation, operation, and expansion of these programs across public postsecondary institutions, ensuring pathways to degrees, certificates, and vocational opportunities that enhance independent living and employment prospects for these students. The bill represents a significant step towards making education more accessible and equitable for individuals with disabilities.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB 192 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, with lawmakers expressing support for initiatives that assist underrepresented populations in accessing higher education. The bill has been endorsed by numerous legislators and stakeholders who view it as a progressive move towards inclusivity and empowerment. However, as with any new funding program, there is a level of scrutiny regarding its implementation and efficacy, which will require ongoing evaluation and oversight to ensure its objectives are met effectively.
Contention
While SB 192 has garnered significant support, it also presents points of contention regarding the allocation of funds and the establishment of the advisory council that will oversee the program. There may be debates about how funds are distributed among institutions, as well as the potential bureaucratic challenges that can arise from administering a new fund. Ensuring that the programs created under the initiative truly meet the needs of the students they are designed to serve will be vital, as misallocation or ineffective programming could undermine the bill's goals.
Creates the Stimulating More Advanced Research and Technology (SMART) Program and the SMART Fund for the purpose of awarding grants to support research at public postsecondary education institutions (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Creates the Louisiana Jobs Now Fund for the purpose of funding postsecondary education degree and certificate production in high-demand fields (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
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)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes the Board of Regents and transfers certain board powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created board (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)