Louisiana House Bill HB87

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/30/13
• Refer: 5/1/13
• Report Pass: 5/6/13

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Exempts public postsecondary education tuition and fees from requirements for imposing a new or increasing an existing fee

Impact

If passed, HB 87 would grant more autonomy to public postsecondary education management boards, allowing them to impose and increase tuition without the need for a two-thirds legislative approval. This change could lead to more fluid adjustments in educational costs, which proponents argue is necessary to address funding shortfalls and adapt to economic changes. However, it also raises concerns about transparency and accountability in how these financial decisions are made, as local governments and stakeholders may have less influence over fee structures.

Summary

House Bill 87, proposed by Representative Carmody, seeks to amend the Louisiana Constitution by exempting public postsecondary education tuition and fees from the requirement that any new fee or increase in an existing fee must be enacted by a two-thirds vote of the legislature. This proposed amendment aims to simplify the process of setting tuition and fees for public postsecondary institutions by removing legislative hurdles, enabling education boards to adjust fees more responsively based on funding needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 87 appears to be mixed. Supporters of the bill express that it is a vital step in ensuring that public postsecondary institutions can react promptly to financial demands without being bogged down by political processes. Conversely, critics argue that this move represents a dangerous precedent that may lead to uninhibited fee increases, disproportionately affecting students and families by diminishing their say in educational financial policies.

Contention

Notable points of contention include worries from opponents regarding the potential for unchecked fee increases and the loss of legislative oversight over cost regulations in education. Detractors emphasize the importance of maintaining accountable and accessible education systems, especially for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The bill raises fundamental questions about the balance of authority between state legislation and educational governance, as well as who ultimately pays for education amidst shifting funding landscapes.