Requests the state fire marshal to provide education and enforcement of fire safety standards at fraternity and sorority houses.
Impact
The resolution emphasizes the importance of fire prevention and safety education as essential for protecting lives and property. By requesting the State Fire Marshal to take an active role in this educational initiative, it aims to foster safer living environments for students involved in Greek life, which historically have been susceptible to fire hazards. This action supports the overall public safety goals of the state legislature by extending fire safety measures to high-risk areas associated with college housing.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 142 urges the Louisiana State Fire Marshal to provide education and enforce code standards relating to fire safety at fraternity and sorority houses associated with colleges and universities within the state. This resolution arose in part due to a fire incident at the Pi Kappa Alpha house in Louisiana Tech University, which, while not resulting in fatalities, caused significant property damage and injuries to individuals, heightening awareness about the need for robust fire safety measures in such residences.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR142 is positive, as it is seen as a necessary response to a documented fire safety concern. Legislators across the board, especially those with a vested interest in student safety, expressed support for the resolution, indicating a consensus on the priority of student welfare and the importance of proactive safety measures in educational institutions.
Contention
While the resolution has garnered support, it is worth noting that matters related to enforcement could lead to discussions about the role of state vs. local authorities in overseeing campus safety. Ensuring adequate resources and training for fire safety education at fraternity and sorority houses is important, and any inadequacies might raise future concerns on compliance and effectiveness of the enforcement measures proposed by the State Fire Marshal.
Congratulates the "Mighty" Southern Region of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and welcomes the sorority to New Orleans on June 2-4, 2011 for its 82nd Southern Regional Leadership Conference and Youth Retreat.
Requests BESE and the Department of Education to withdraw from the Common Core State Standards Initiative and cease all activities related to implementation of such standards.
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.