Bill > SB202

This bill transfers the University of New Orleans (UNO) from the University of Louisiana System to the Louisiana State University (LSU) System, effective August 1, 2025, pending approval from the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The bill outlines a detailed transition process that requires the UNO president to submit a governance change request, with both university systems collaboratively working to ensure a smooth transfer. The LSU Board of Supervisors must develop policies to address employee status and tenure, create a transition team with regional stakeholders, and develop a comprehensive plan to improve the university's academic, operational, and fiscal performance. The bill prohibits the University of Louisiana System from interfering with the transfer, selling UNO assets, or disproportionately reducing funding. The commissioner of administration is tasked with ensuring sufficient funds for the transfer and purchasing insurance to cover potential transition-related costs. The legislature must appropriate funds to support the transfer and may attach conditions to the funding, such as requiring a transition plan or demonstrating achieved benchmarks. The bill also ensures that existing financial obligations, including bonded indebtedness, will be maintained and transferred appropriately, with provisions to protect the state's financial interests during the transition.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=SB202&sbi=y