Request that the House Committee on Education study and make recommendations with respect to unfunded mandates imposed on school systems
Impact
The passage of HR161 has the potential to influence state laws by prompting legislative action on the financial responsibilities assigned to school systems without adequate state funding. It highlights a constitutional requirement in Louisiana, which stipulates that laws requiring increased expenditures for public schools must be backed by funding or local revenue sources. The resolution explicitly points to several unfunded mandates in education, such as those related to dual enrollment and technology upgrades for online assessments, emphasizing the need for legislative scrutiny and action.
Summary
House Resolution 161 (HR161) urges the House Committee on Education to study and make recommendations regarding unfunded mandates imposed on local school systems across Louisiana. The resolution acknowledges the challenges faced by school systems in complying with various requirements that often lack funding, thereby placing significant financial pressures on these educational institutions. By requesting a thorough evaluation of these mandates, HR161 aims to address a crucial aspect of the state’s educational infrastructure that has been reported as unsustainable and detrimental to quality education in localities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HR161 reflects a bipartisan recognition of the burdens placed on school districts due to unfunded mandates. Stakeholders, including school board members and superintendents, have expressed their concerns about the increasing pressures these mandates cause. The resolution is commonly seen as a necessary step towards identifying and possibly mitigating these issues, fostering an eco-system of collaboration between legislators and educational professionals to enhance the state's educational quality.
Contention
Despite the supportive sentiment towards evaluating unfunded mandates, there may be points of contention regarding the recommendations that result from the committee's study. Potential disagreements could arise on which mandates should be modified or eliminated, particularly considering the varying needs of school systems across Louisiana. Implementing changes based on the committee's findings could lead to debates on funding priorities and educational standards, illustrating the complexities at the intersection of finance and education policy.
Creates a study commission to study the impact of unfunded mandates in Louisiana and the potential impact of removing exceptions to Louisiana's constitutional ban on unfunded mandates.
Request the House Committee on Appropriations to study and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of decreasing state supplemental pay to increase payments of the unfunded accrued liability of certain retirement systems
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study issues relative to the implementation of the Course Choice Program and submit a report to the House and Senate education committees by Sept. 30, 2013
Requests the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs to study and make recommendations relative to the organization of the executive branch of state government
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.