Louisiana House Bill HB500

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 6/8/11
• Engrossed: 6/13/11
• Report Pass: 6/19/11
• Enrolled: 6/22/11
• Chaptered: 6/24/11
• Passed: 6/24/11

Caption

Provides certain educational benefits for veterans who are students enrolled in La. public colleges and universities (EN NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill is positioned to amend current statutes concerning educational credits awarded to veterans, thus allowing these individuals to transition more smoothly into academic settings. By including military training and courses eligible for credit, the bill effectively recognizes the advanced skills and knowledge acquired during service. This could lead to improved educational outcomes for veterans and a higher graduation rate as they receive credits that may shorten their time to degree completion.

Summary

House Bill 500 serves to enhance educational opportunities for veterans who are enrolled in public colleges and universities in Louisiana. It mandates that each college and university management board develop a policy to award educational credits to veterans based on their military training and service education. This measure aims to recognize the educational value of military experiences and align it with academic standards recognized by the American Council on Education. The implementation of this bill is set to begin in the 2012-2013 academic year, ensuring that veterans can benefit from their military education as they pursue their higher education goals.

Sentiment

The general sentiment towards HB 500 appeared to be positive among legislators, reflecting a bipartisan effort to support veterans. The bill received an overwhelmingly supportive vote in the House, indicating broad consensus regarding the importance of recognizing military service within the education system. Respondents have expressed approval over the idea of enhancing the academic potential of veterans, seeing it as a step towards making education more accessible and relevant for those who have served.

Contention

Despite the general support for HB 500, there may be some underlying concerns regarding the practical implementation of such policies. Challenges might arise in standardizing the evaluation of military training against academic standards set by educational institutions. Additionally, institutions might need to allocate additional resources to develop and implement these policies effectively. Nevertheless, the benefits of attracting and retaining veterans in higher education are seen as crucial by many lawmakers.