Louisiana House Bill HB1415

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/10
• Refer: 4/21/10
• Report Pass: 6/3/10

Caption

Provides relative to tuition and mandatory attendance fees at Southern University law school

Impact

The bill modifies existing educational finance laws by granting more autonomy to the Southern University Board regarding fee structures. By relieving the need for legislative consent for tuition hikes, the bill streamlines the fee adjustment process at the Law Center, potentially enabling quicker responses to economic changes or operational needs. The board is required to report annual tuition and fee amounts to the Board of Regents, which in turn reports this information to the legislature and governor. This creates a layer of accountability while still granting the university greater financial flexibility.

Summary

House Bill 1415 aims to provide the Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College with the authority to increase tuition and mandatory attendance fees at the Southern University Law Center. The bill allows for an annual increase of up to fifteen percent without needing prior legislative approval. This provision is applicable for the academic years from 2010 to 2015. Furthermore, it includes the authority to impose proportional fee structures for part-time students and summer sessions, ensuring a flexible tuition system that can adapt to varying student needs.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding HB 1415 appears to be mixed, with support from those who believe in empowering educational institutions to manage their finances more effectively. Proponents argue that allowing the Board to set tuition rates autonomously will enable the Law Center to remain competitive and financially viable. However, some critics may express concerns about the potential for tuition increases to disproportionately affect students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, thereby raising issues of access and affordability in legal education.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 1415 involves the balance between institutional autonomy and student accessibility. While supporters view increased tuition flexibility as a necessary measure for improving the financial health of the Law Center, opponents may argue that this could lead to unsustainable tuition growth, making legal education less accessible for prospective students. The debate encapsulates broader discussions about educational funding, equity in education, and the role of state oversight in setting tuition policies.