House Bill No. [insert number] proposes significant changes to the reporting requirements and the structure of certain commissions and advisory councils related to elementary and secondary education in Louisiana. The bill stipulates that any law requiring the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) or the state Department of Education (DOE) to submit annual reports will become ineffective two years after its first publication unless renewed by the legislature. Additionally, if a renewal bill does not pass, the statute mandating the report will be considered repealed. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the responsibilities of the DOE in developing environmental education programs and abolishes several existing commissions, including the Early Childhood and Care Commission and the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission, transferring their duties to the Advisory Council on Early Childhood Care and Education and the DOE, respectively.

Furthermore, the bill repeals multiple existing statutes related to these commissions and advisory councils, streamlining the governance structure within the education system. The Advisory Council on Student Behavior and Discipline is also abolished, indicating a shift in how student behavior and discipline matters will be managed. The effective date for most provisions is set for August 1, 2025, while the new reporting requirements will take effect on August 1, 2026. This legislative change aims to enhance accountability and efficiency in the education sector by reducing redundant reporting and consolidating responsibilities within the DOE.

Statutes affected:
HB589 Original: 17:205(A), 17:216(A), 17:51(H), 17:21(N)(3), 17:205(B)(1), 17:220(B)(5), 17:23(B)(6), 36:651(E)(2)