House Bill No. 738 aims to amend and reenact certain provisions related to student disciplinary proceedings at public postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana. Key changes include the requirement for institutions to provide written notice of charges to students or student organizations within 14 business days of receiving credible information sufficient to initiate formal proceedings. This notice must detail all alleged violations and the corresponding disciplinary actions. Additionally, the bill modifies the terminology from "guilt" to "responsibility" in the context of disciplinary proceedings, while maintaining the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the appeals process, extending the timeframe for filing an appeal from 10 to 14 business days. It stipulates that sanctions will not take effect until either the appeal deadline has passed without an appeal being filed or all institutional appeals have been completed. Furthermore, it mandates that decision-makers provide a written determination that includes the factual basis for violations, a summary of evidence, any sanctions imposed, and the procedures and timelines for appeal. These changes aim to enhance transparency and fairness in the disciplinary process for students at public colleges and universities.

Statutes affected:
HB738 Original: 17:3394(B)
HB738 Engrossed: 17:3394(B)
HB738 Reengrossed: 17:3394(B)