Louisiana Senate Bill SR191

Louisiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/10/25
• Passed: 6/11/25

Caption

Requests the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Supreme Court to transmit truancy reports to the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance tracking and oversight of truancy in Louisiana schools, advocating for a structured approach to address the challenges faced by students when it comes to school attendance. By requesting these reports, the resolution seeks to equip the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children with critical insights that could inform future legislative action. The expected outcome is better-informed policies and practices aimed at reducing truancy rates and potentially improving educational outcomes for children across the state.

Summary

Senate Resolution 191 urges the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice, the Louisiana Department of Education, and the Louisiana Supreme Court to provide truancy reports to the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. The resolution highlights increasing concerns about truancy rates in Louisiana, which rose significantly during the 2021-2022 school year, impacting 45% of children compared to 36% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure points to a pressing need for data and monitoring to address the growing truancy issue, particularly in light of the changes brought by the pandemic.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR191 appears to be largely positive, with support from various stakeholders who recognize the importance of addressing truancy in the educational system. Advocates for children's education and welfare are likely to find merit in the resolution, viewing it as a proactive step towards tackling an issue that has worsened in recent years. However, some may contend about the necessity of further regulations or whether existing measures already address the truancy problem adequately.

Contention

While SR191 enjoys support for its intentions, debate could arise regarding the logistics of gathering and reporting the truancy data. Concerns may include the potential burden on the departments involved and whether they have adequate resources to carry out these requirements effectively. Additionally, discussions may center around the effectiveness of existing truancy programs and the need for legislative measures, highlighting the balance between oversight and operational efficiency.