Louisiana Senate Bill SB746

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/10
• Refer: 4/20/10
• Report Pass: 6/1/10
• Engrossed: 6/4/10
• Refer: 6/7/10
• Report Pass: 6/15/10
• Enrolled: 6/20/10
• Chaptered: 7/2/10
• Passed: 7/2/10

Caption

Requires the Board of Regents to submit a report to certain legislative committees regarding the formula adopted to fund institutions of post secondary education. (8/15/10)

Impact

The passage of SB746 will bring significant changes to the operational management of higher education funding in Louisiana. It emphasizes the need for a clear and equitable distribution process of appropriated funds that is transparent and accessible to legislative oversight. The bill delineates the responsibilities of the Board of Regents in forming a formula that prioritizes institutions with preventive maintenance programs, which hints at a broader intent to enhance the physical infrastructure of educational entities through better financial planning.

Summary

Senate Bill 746 requires the Board of Regents to submit an annual report to specified legislative committees concerning the funding formula established for postsecondary education institutions. This legislative measure aims to improve transparency and accountability within the state’s education funding framework, specifically targeting how funds are allocated among various higher education entities, which include vocational and technical schools. By specifying the requirement for regular reporting, the bill seeks to bolster oversight and ensure that funding mechanisms are adequately designed to meet the needs of educational institutions across Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB746 appears to be generally supportive among those who prioritize accountability in state-funded education. Supporters argue that the requirement for reports will lead to more informed legislative decisions regarding educational funding. However, there may also be concerns about potential bureaucratic red tape created by the additional reporting requirements, which opponents of similar measures often highlight, suggesting a need for balance between oversight and operational efficiency.

Contention

While the bill seems to garner support for its transparency goals, there are underlying contentions regarding its implementation and the effectiveness of prescribed reporting strategies. Some stakeholders may feel that the bill does not address enough the varying needs of all institutions, especially smaller colleges that may struggle with complex reporting requirements. The expectation that institutions follow a one-size-fits-all formula could potentially lead to implications that do not serve the unique circumstances of different educational environments.