DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 258 Original 2023 Regular Session Wright
Abstract: Establishes a state maritime academy within the University of La. System.
Present law provides for the University of La. System, composed of the postsecondary education
institutions under the supervision and management of the system's board of supervisors.
Proposed law:
(1)Establishes a state maritime academy under the supervision and management of the board
of supervisors for the following purposes:
(a)Coordinating existing maritime programs and facilities.
(b)Training merchant marine officers.
(c)Providing additional educational pathways aligned with the workforce needs of the
maritime industry.
(2)Provides for the system president to hire an executive director, who may establish an
advisory board for the purpose of making recommendations relative to the academy's
establishment and operations.
(3)Provides that the academy's training programs:
(a)May operate across multiple institutions under the supervision of the board.
(b)Shall be developed in a manner that makes maximum use of existing state and local
resources through agreements and contracts with other institutions and training
programs.
Proposed law provides that the board of supervisors is the designated legal state entity to qualify the
academy and its training programs for federal assistance and to receive and expend funds under
federal law.
(Amends R.S. 17:3217)