LouisianaPublic colleges could set tuition and fees within new limits
If it takes effect, public colleges could set tuition and mandatory fees across their programs, with increases capped at 10 percent in one year beginning January 1, 2027.
What it does
Public colleges could set tuition and mandatory fees for all programs, including part-time and dual-enrollment programs. Increases would be capped at 10 percent in one year, while decreases would have no stated limit.
Before raising fees, colleges would need to consider affordability, give students timely notice, and set hardship-waiver rules. They would also report each year on how the tuition authority is used.
Argument forAllowing colleges to lower fees without a limit could help institutions respond to local affordability concerns and reduce costs for some students.
Argument againstA college could still raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 10 percent in one year, which might increase costs for students despite hardship-waiver rules.
More detail
Each public postsecondary institution may set and adjust tuition and mandatory fees for its programs. This covers certificate, degree, diploma, and other credential programs, including part-time, dual-enrollment, summer, and intersession students. An institution may raise tuition and mandatory fees by no more than 10 percent during any one-year period. An institution may lower tuition and fees without a stated limit. This authority would apply beginning January 1, 2027, if the Act takes effect.
Institutions would have to consider affordability and related information, notify affected students, create hardship-waiver criteria before an increase, and report each year on implementation. The requirements apply to public postsecondary institutions and to current and prospective students affected by a tuition or mandatory-fee increase. Institutions must consider peer-school prices, household income, affordability, and the total cost of attending. Institutions must provide timely information about increases and available hardship waivers. Each institution must send an annual written implementation report to specified state education and legislative bodies. Annual reports would be due by February 15, and the notice and waiver requirements would apply before an institution imposes an increase under these provisions.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 25Becomes Act No. 970 without the Governor's signature.Latest
- Jun 25Effective date: 06/25/2026.
- Jun 4Sent to the Governor for executive approval.To Governor
- Jun 1Signed by the President of the Senate.
- May 31Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.Minor
- May 29Scheduled for concurrence on 05/29/2026.
- Vote recorded CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENTS (#1749). Result: pass.Lower
- May 29Read by title, roll called, yeas 90, nays 6. The Senate amendments, having received two-thirds vote of the elected members, were concurred in.
- May 28Received from the Senate with amendments.Minor
- May 27The amended bill was read by title, passed by a vote of 34 yeas and 2 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE (#1457). Result: pass.Upper
- May 26Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage.Minor
- May 25Committee amendments read and adopted. Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.
- May 21Reported with amendments.Minor
- May 12Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Education.Minor
- May 11Received in the Senate. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.Minor
- May 7Called from the calendar.
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE (#984). Result: pass.Lower
- May 7Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 86, nays 9. The bill, having received two-thirds vote of the elected members, was finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.Passed House
- May 5Read by title, returned to the calendar.
- May 5Notice given.
- May 5Scheduled for floor debate on 05/07/2026.
- Apr 29Read by title, amended, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading.Minor
- Apr 29Scheduled for floor debate on 05/05/2026.
- Apr 28Reported with amendments (8-3).Minor
- Mar 31Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Education.Minor
- Mar 30Read by title. Lies over under the rules.Introduced
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