Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB67

Introduced
4/8/13  

Caption

Creates the Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority. (8/1/13) (OR SEE FISC NOTE EX)

Impact

The LSEFA will collaborate with local school boards to determine their specific needs and will establish a formula to evaluate and prioritize funding applications for local projects. The authority is designed to operate with an uncompensated board of commissioners and has the flexibility to seek various funding sources, including federal funds, although it is restricted from using state general fund dollars. Local school boards will retain ownership and control over facilities funded through the authority, ensuring that local governance is preserved in the construction and renovation processes.

Summary

Senate Bill 67 creates the Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority (LSEFA) aimed at improving the quality of public school facilities in Louisiana. The authority is established within the Department of Education and is tasked with providing funding, coordination, assistance, and oversight for the repair, renovation, and construction of public school facilities. The bill underscores the importance of school facility quality on student achievement and aims to address Louisiana's low ranking in per-pupil spending on school facilities by creating a systematic approach to assess and prioritize facility needs across the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB 67 is positive, particularly among education advocates who recognize the need for upgraded school infrastructure. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for local governments and how effectively the authority will be able to manage and distribute funds to meet diverse local needs. The emphasis on creating a directive that combines oversight with local school board autonomy reflects a balanced approach to addressing educational infrastructure.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implementation details of the bill, particularly how funds will be allocated and the potential bureaucratic hurdles local schools might face when applying for assistance. Critics may express concerns that while the authority aims to streamline funding processes, the requirements for participation could inadvertently complicate access to necessary improvements for schools. Ensuring equitable support for schools across various regions of Louisiana, particularly in underserved areas, might also be a topic of ongoing debate as the authority prepares to operationalize its mandate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB455

Creates the Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority. (8/1/12) (OR SEE FISC NOTE EX)

LA SB584

Creates the Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority. (8/15/10) (EN SEE FISC NOTE EX See Note)

LA HB210

Establishes and provides for the La. Statewide Education Facilities Authority

LA SB223

Creates the Coastal Port Advisory Authority. (8/1/13) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

LA SB230

Provides relative to the Health Education Authority of Louisiana (HEAL). (8/1/16) (EGF SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

LA SB57

Creates the Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission. (8/1/13) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB800

Creates the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana. (8/15/10) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

LA SB58

Provides relative to the statewide human services districts and authorities. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA SB779

Creates the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana. (8/15/10) (OR SEE FISC NOTE)

LA SB321

Creates the Charter School Facilities Fund within the Louisiana Department of Education. (gov sig) (EG SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)

Similar Bills

LA SB584

Creates the Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority. (8/15/10) (EN SEE FISC NOTE EX See Note)

LA SB455

Creates the Louisiana Statewide Education Facilities Authority. (8/1/12) (OR SEE FISC NOTE EX)

LA SB526

Provides for enactment of the Workforce and Innovation for a Stronger Economy (WISE) Fund. (gov sig) (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)

LA HB392

Makes supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2018-2019

LA HB2

Provides for the comprehensive Capital Outlay budget

LA HB210

Establishes and provides for the La. Statewide Education Facilities Authority

LA HB578

Dedicates the economic proceeds from the Deepwater Horizon litigation to transportation projects and redirects funding to the Construction Subfund of the Transportation Trust Fund (EN -$24,000,000 GF RV See Note)

LA HB639

Provides for the abolition of certain boards and commissions (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)