Excludes a school or business which offers yoga teacher training from the definition of a proprietary school for purposes of licensing by the Bd. of Regents
Impact
The legislative amendment is expected to have a significant impact on the education landscape in Louisiana, particularly for businesses that provide yoga instructor training. By removing these programs from the purview of proprietary school regulations, it allows yoga training providers greater flexibility in how they operate and reduces their administrative burden. This could lead to an increase in the availability of yoga teacher training programs across the state, potentially encouraging more people to pursue careers in yoga instruction and related wellness fields.
Summary
House Bill 191 amends the definition of a proprietary school under Louisiana law to specifically exclude schools or business enterprises that offer yoga teacher training from this definition. This change means that such yoga programs will not be subject to the same licensing requirements and regulations that typically apply to proprietary schools, which usually offer vocational or career-oriented instruction. The intent behind the bill is likely to streamline the regulatory process for yoga instructor training, making it more accessible to individuals and organizations involved in the field.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 191 appears to be positive, particularly among proponents of yoga training and wellness advocates. Supporters argue that this legislative change promotes personal wellness and accessibility to training, aligning with modern trends toward health and fitness. There is, however, an implied concern regarding the absence of regulation, as some may feel that it might lower the standard of training provided to prospective yoga teachers, thus influencing the quality of instruction available to the public.
Contention
While the bill sailed through legislative voting with full support, there may be underlying contention regarding the implications of deregulating educational standards. The lack of regulatory oversight for yoga training could create disparities in training quality and qualifications among instructors. Some stakeholders—potentially including institutions that do operate under tighter regulations—might view this exclusion as a means to weaken educational standards in the fitness and wellness industry, raising concerns about consumer protection in the long run.
Requests the Board of Regents to study certain issues relative to yoga teacher training and the licensing of facilities that offer such training as proprietary schools
Suspends in part R.S. 17:3141.2(5), relative to the definition of a proprietary school as it is applicable to yoga teacher training, until 60 days after final adjournment of the 2011 R.S.
Permits, for purposes of certain skill or occupational training, use of a TOPS Opportunity, Performance, or Honors award at certain schools having a certificate of registration issued by the Bd. of Cosmetology and proprietary schools licensed by the Bd. of Regents (EN -$34,248 GF EX See Note)