WikimediaBill to curb governor’s records exemption heads to House
Lawmakers appear ready to put new limits on the Louisiana governor’s broad public records exemptions.
The proposal by Sen. Dan Claitor, a Baton Rouge Republican, would keep the governor’s communications with internal staff exempt from disclosure. But it would get rid of several exemptions introduced into public records law in a 2009 revamp backed by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
The measure won support Wednesday from the House and Governmental Affairs Committee without objection, sending it to the full House for consideration. The Senate has backed the bill, which would take effect when a new governor enters office in January.
Though the changes wouldn’t impact Jindal, it’s unclear if he’d let the bill become law. The Republican governor hasn’t taken a position on the proposal so far.
Tuition, TOPS cost-control bills move to House for debate
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A package of bills that would take lawmakers out of the tuition-setting business and place new spending restrictions on Louisiana’s TOPS free college tuition program have edged closer to final legislative passage.
But despite support Wednesday from the House Education Committee, the Senate-backed proposals by Sen. Jack Donahue, a Mandeville Republican, remain a long-shot as they head to the full House.
One measure would let higher education management boards raise tuition for colleges without needing legislative approval. But that authority is tied to a measure that would put limits on TOPS tuition awards.
Gov. Bobby Jindal opposes the TOPS cost-control bill.
And on Tuesday, the House rejected a proposal that would have let colleges set their own tuition rates. That bill would have kept TOPS from covering the additional costs.