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Bill

Bill

SR 172

COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES: Creates the Legislative Higher Education Funding and Formula Task Force.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Reese

Establishes a task force to review and propose reforms to Louisiana’s public higher education funding, focusing on the outcomes-based formula and workforce-aligned budgeting.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 6/2/2026.
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Bill Summary · SR 172

Summary of Bill SR 172 (Louisiana Senate, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the Legislative Higher Education Funding and Formula Task Force.
  • The task force will study and evaluate how Louisiana funds public higher education, with a focus on the allocation of funds to two-year and four-year institutions through the outcomes-based funding formula.
  • Aims to provide recommendations to the legislature and the Louisiana Board of Regents on potential reforms to funding structure, governance, and funding considerations for public postsecondary education.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Creation of a standing joint task force to review:
    • The overall funding structure for public postsecondary education in Louisiana.
    • The allocation methods to two-year and four-year institutions under the outcomes-based funding formula.
  • Required analyses (minimum scope):
    1. Historical and current funding sources for public postsecondary education (e.g., General Fund, statutory dedications, federal grants, tuition/fees, auxiliaries, philanthropy, other revenues).
    2. Historical and current formula methodologies and metrics used to distribute state appropriations to two-year and four-year institutions.
    3. Comparative analysis against national best practices and regional peer states.
    4. Longitudinal assessment of state funding, performance-based metrics, accountability measures, and rising costs of education.
    5. Recommendations for potential legislation to strengthen funding stability and improve the funding formula to drive outcomes and align with workforce needs.
  • Membership and governance:
    • Chair of the House Appropriations Committee or designee; Chair of the Senate Finance Committee or designee.
    • Two House members appointed by the Speaker; two Senate members appointed by the President.
    • Commissioner of Higher Education or designee.
    • One chancellor of a two-year community/technical college (appointed by the president of the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System).
    • Ex officio, nonvoting members: presidents of the state university systems (LSU, Southern University, UL System) and the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System, or their designees.
    • The task force may solicit economic forecasting information from the Division of Administration.
  • Timeline and meetings:
    • Designating authorities must submit designee names by August 1, 2026.
    • First meeting by September 1, 2026, convened at the call of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
    • At the first meeting, the Senate President appoints a chair; members elect other officers as appropriate.
    • The task force can operate with a quorum of a majority; official actions require a majority vote.
    • Members serve without compensation, though per diem or expense reimbursement may be available as allowed by their parent organizations.
    • Termination: the task force will dissolve upon submission of its report or by February 26, 2027, whichever occurs first.
  • Reporting:
    • The task force must prepare a written report with recommendations and specific legislative proposals, due to the Senate Finance Committee, House Appropriations Committee, Senate Education Committee, House Education Committee, and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library (per RS 24:771 and 772) no later than February 26, 2027.

Who is Affected

  • Public postsecondary institutions in Louisiana (two-year and four-year) that receive state funding.
  • The Louisiana Board of Regents and the state’s higher education systems (LSU, Southern, UL System, and Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System).
  • State legislators and appropriators responsible for higher education funding and policy.
  • The Division of Administration, for potential input on economic forecasting.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Establishment via Senate resolution; no immediate funding changes, but sets up a formal review process.
  • Designee appointments due by August 1, 2026.
  • First Task Force meeting by September 1, 2026.
  • Final report and recommendations due by February 26, 2027 (or earlier if the task force ends).
  • All work aims to inform future legislation and funding decisions related to higher education.

Potential Impact

  • Provides a structured, data-driven review of how Louisiana funds higher education and whether the outcomes-based formula effectively supports student success and workforce needs.
  • Could lead to reforms in funding formulas, budget allocations, transparency, and accountability measures.
  • May influence future legislative proposals and Board of Regents policies to promote financial stability and alignment with state workforce priorities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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