House Bill No. by Representative Owen, known as the "Higher Education Accountability and Governance Act," establishes new requirements for public postsecondary education management boards in Louisiana. The bill mandates that these boards conduct annual reviews of core curriculum courses to ensure they are foundational for postsecondary education and necessary for civic or professional life, with findings to be publicly reported and voted on by the end of the 2027-2028 academic year. Additionally, the bill requires management boards to approve job postings and hiring decisions for key positions in public meetings with a minimum notice of 30 days, and it limits faculty deliberative bodies to an advisory role only, with specific restrictions on membership and funding.

The legislation also introduces new protocols for nonacademic disciplinary proceedings, including the requirement for anonymized quarterly reports from the institution's CEO following major campus disruptions. These reports must detail sanctions imposed and the involvement of admissions officers with sanctioned students. The bill emphasizes that it will not infringe upon faculty members' rights to freedom of association and will take precedence over any conflicting existing laws regarding faculty deliberative bodies. Starting in the 2027-2028 Fiscal Year, institutions will be barred from using appropriated funds until their management board certifies compliance with the new regulations to the legislature and the Board of Regents. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.