(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the authority to set admission standards at public postsecondary education institutions (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Impact
Should HB 411 be enacted, it would lead to significant changes in how public colleges and universities in Louisiana set their admission standards. The proposed constitutional amendment indicates that the distribution of funds to these institutions will not depend on specific admission standards, thereby enabling each management board to determine admission criteria based on unique institutional missions and community needs, rather than being subjected to a broader statewide policy.
Summary
House Bill 411, proposed by Representative James, aims to amend Article VIII, Section 5(D)(4) of the Louisiana Constitution by shifting the authority to set admission standards at public postsecondary education institutions from the Board of Regents to the various higher education management boards. This bill seeks to provide these management boards with a clearer governance structure that can better address local educational needs and standards without being contingent on a master plan from the Board of Regents.
Sentiment
The reception of HB 411 has generated a mix of support and skepticism among legislators and stakeholders in higher education. Advocates argue that this bill empowers local institutions to tailor admission standards that reflect their specific requirements and demographics. Conversely, some critics worry that this decentralization could lead to inconsistencies in educational standards across the state, potentially diminishing the quality of education as institutions might adopt less rigorous admission criteria to boost enrollment.
Contention
Notable points of contention include fears over the potential for inequitable treatment of students, as different management boards could implement vastly different standards. Critics also raise concerns about accountability and the possibility of decreased oversight on the educational quality of schools in the state if admission standards diverge widely. The debate surrounding HB 411 highlights a broader discussion about balancing local control with the necessity for uniform standards in education.
(Constitutional Amendment) Exempts public postsecondary education tuition and fees from requirements for imposing a new or increasing an existing fee and provides relative to the authority to set tuition and fees (RR1 SEE FISC NOTE SG RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.