Requests the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Supreme Court to transmit truancy reports to the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children.
Impact
The bill aims to enhance tracking and oversight of truancy in Louisiana schools, advocating for a structured approach to address the challenges faced by students when it comes to school attendance. By requesting these reports, the resolution seeks to equip the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children with critical insights that could inform future legislative action. The expected outcome is better-informed policies and practices aimed at reducing truancy rates and potentially improving educational outcomes for children across the state.
Summary
Senate Resolution 191 urges the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Supreme Court to provide truancy reports to the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. The resolution highlights increasing concerns about truancy rates in Louisiana, which rose significantly during the 2021-2022 school year, impacting 45% of children compared to 36% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure points to a pressing need for data and monitoring to address the growing truancy issue, particularly in light of the changes brought by the pandemic.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR191 appears to be largely positive, with support from various stakeholders who recognize the importance of addressing truancy in the educational system. Advocates for children's education and welfare are likely to find merit in the resolution, viewing it as a proactive step towards tackling an issue that has worsened in recent years. However, some may contend about the necessity of further regulations or whether existing measures already address the truancy problem adequately.
Contention
While SR191 enjoys support for its intentions, debate could arise regarding the logistics of gathering and reporting the truancy data. Concerns may include the potential burden on the departments involved and whether they have adequate resources to carry out these requirements effectively. Additionally, discussions may center around the effectiveness of existing truancy programs and the need for legislative measures, highlighting the balance between oversight and operational efficiency.
Requests Louisiana State Police, LDH's office of behavioral health, and the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement to collaborate on best practices and model programs that address gun violence prevention and intervention.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide specific information in a report to the Senate committees on finance and education relative to cameras in certain classrooms.
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to assist in the development of a public service campaign to foster awareness and education on perinatal mental health care.
Requests the Senate Committee on Judiciary B and the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs to meet jointly to study iGaming and report study findings to the Louisiana Senate.
Requests the office of juvenile justice in the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to submit quarterly reports to the Senate regarding the progress and implementation of the tiered juvenile justice system established by Act No. 693 of the 2022 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to submit an annual report to the Senate committees on Education and Finance on how differentiated teacher pay, contained in the Minimum Foundation Program formula, is applied and distributed in a fair and equitable fashion.
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.