HIGHER ED/BD REGENTS: (Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes the Board of Regents
Impact
The impact of HB 391 on state laws includes a significant reorganization of postsecondary education governance in Louisiana. By dissolving the Board of Regents, the bill aims to decentralize educational administration, allowing the four established management boards—Louisiana Community and Technical College System, LSU System, Southern University System, and University of Louisiana System—to directly handle their own budgetary responsibilities. Furthermore, funds previously allocated to the Board of Regents would be redirected to these boards, potentially altering the financial landscape of public higher education in the state.
Summary
House Bill 391 proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the Board of Regents, which currently oversees all public postsecondary education in Louisiana, including institutions' planning and budgeting responsibilities. The bill seeks to abolish this board, transitioning its duties to the individual management boards of the state's universities and colleges. If enacted, this amendment would be subject to voter approval in a statewide election scheduled for November 3, 2026, with the proposed repeal of the Board effective January 1, 2028, and other provisions taking effect a year earlier on January 1, 2027.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 391 appears divided. Advocates of the bill, largely focusing on improving operational efficiency in higher education, argue that eliminating the Board of Regents will empower individual institutions to make quicker, more relevant decisions tailored to their unique needs. Conversely, opponents express concern that this move could lead to inconsistencies across institutions and reduce the overall quality of state oversight regarding educational standards and funding allocations.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the methods of governance and administrative efficiency. Critics of the bill are particularly worried that abolishing the Board of Regents may compromise a unified approach to managing public education quality across the state. Furthermore, the critics fear that individual boards may prioritize their interests over the broader educational needs of Louisiana, leading to disparities in educational quality and access. This debate reflects a larger discussion about the balance between centralized oversight and localized governance in state education systems.
Requests the state Department of Education, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Board of Regents, and postsecondary education management boards to promote artificial intelligence education for students and to encourage professional development relative to artificial intelligence for faculty and staff
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Provides relative to reports and certain commissions and advisory councils with respect to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Department of Education
Changes the election date for the spring 2026 statewide election for the submission of proposed constitutional amendments (Item #1) (EG NO IMPACT See Note)
Provides relative to the effectiveness of laws requiring reports to be submitted annually to the legislature by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Department of Education and provides relative to certain commissions and advisory councils
Commends and recognizes Film Louisiana for its contributions to economic development and designates April 15, 2026, as Film Louisiana Day at the Louisiana State Capitol
Requests the health profession licensing boards to work with the commissioner of administration to identify funds from their cash and cash equivalent year-end balances that can be transferred into the state general fund.