Requires that student identification cards issued by public postsecondary education institutions meet certain requirements (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The implications of HB 940 are significant for both students and educational institutions. By establishing a state-level requirement, the bill aims to facilitate easier identification processes, enhance security, and potentially prevent fraud or misuse of student IDs. The legislation also provides a clear framework for compliance among public institutions, ensuring that all issued identification meets the minimum standards set forth in the law. Institutions will not be compelled to replace existing cards until they have expired, thus striking a balance between compliance and practicality.
Summary
House Bill 940, introduced by Representative Gaines, mandates that student identification cards issued by public postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana must adhere to specific requirements. The bill calls for the management boards overseeing these institutions to ensure that ID cards contain elements designated as necessary for a recognized picture identification. Among these elements, an expiration date is also included, which must be set four years from the issue date or the anticipated graduation date, depending on which comes first. This regulates standardization across various educational institutions in the state, promoting uniformity in identification verification.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment regarding HB 940 appears to be supportive, particularly from educational administrators eager to implement uniformity and security measures related to student identification. Concerns may arise regarding administrative burdens or costs associated with ensuring compliance, but these have not prominently surfaced in discussions or voting records. The bill’s passage without opposition suggests a strong alignment among legislators on the need for standardized student IDs within public postsecondary education.
Contention
While the bill was passed unanimously, potential points of contention may revolve around the practical aspects of implementing these requirements and the long-term effects on institutional autonomy. Critics could argue that the bill might set a precedent for increased legislative control over how institutions operate and enforce student identification protocols, which could lead to challenges in balancing state mandates with institutional governance.
Requiring postsecondary educational institutions to indicate when a student's identification issued by such institution cannot be used for voting purposes.
Provides relative to the La. Granting Resources and Autonomy for Diplomas Act, including additional operational autonomies to be granted to public postsecondary education institutions and reporting requirements for such institutions and the Board of Regents (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)