Louisiana lawmakers create joint legislative committee to study LHSAA oversight

The House Education Committee on Monday voted to report HCR 24 with amendments, a resolution to create a joint legislative study committee to examine the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

Representative Johnson, the resolution’s sponsor, told the committee the goal is to examine the LHSAA’s relationship with public schools and the flow of public funds. "LHSAA may be a big surprise to you, but they are a private corporation," Johnson said, adding the association is "financed largely from our tax dollars." He argued the legislature has an oversight role when public money and public interests are involved.

The resolution would form a special committee under the authority of both the House and Senate education committees to gather information about LHSAA governance, finances, and the association’s decision-making processes. Johnson said the committee would have subpoena power to compel testimony or documents if needed and that House and Senate education chairs would appoint members.

Committee members pressed the sponsor on scope. Representative Fryberg asked whether the review would be limited to finances; Johnson said it would be broader, including whether educational priorities are the paramount consideration in LHSAA decisions and whether rural schools are treated equitably. Representative Tarver recounted a local example in Rapides Parish where athletic classification decisions produced lasting effects on student assignment and local school policy.

Representative Omidy and others described past litigation over whether LHSAA — a membership organization made up primarily of school principals and an executive staff — is subject to legislative authority. Omidy said courts previously described LHSAA as a "quasi private entity" and noted uncertainty about whether dues and other LHSAA receipts derive from school or personal funds; that is among the financial questions the committee would seek to answer.

An amendment by the committee chair increased House appointees on the study committee; the amendment passed by voice vote. Representative Fryberg moved to report HCR 24 with amendments; with no objections the committee reported the resolution to the full House with the adopted changes.

The resolution does not itself change any LHSAA authority or procedures; it creates a forum for investigation and potential future legislative recommendations.