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Panel approves bill easing regulation of BESE‑approved nonpublic pre‑K after contested testimony and roll‑call
Summary
The committee adopted Rep. Chennavier’s amendment to exempt BESE‑approved nonpublic pre‑K programs from certain licensure and safety standards and reported HB 1112 favorable as amended following competing testimony from advocacy and policy groups. A recorded roll call showed 4 yeas and 1 nay on the motion to report favorable.
Representative Chennavier presented House Bill 1112 with amendment 38‑28 to exempt BESE‑approved nonpublic prekindergarten programs from certain licensure and safety‑standard requirements. She described the bill as restoring parental choice and correcting unintended consequences from prior legislation.
Supporters including Aaron Bindley of the Pelican Institute (speaker 25), Gene Mills of Louisiana Family Forum (speaker 33), and Tom Costanza of the Louisiana Council of Catholic Bishops (speaker 34) urged the committee to protect private and faith‑based schools from sweeping state oversight and to avoid imposing costs that could force small programs to close. "This bill offers a complete and total remedy," Bindley said, arguing there was no evidence of a widespread safety problem in nonpublic pre‑K programs.
Opponents expressed concern and Representative Jackson (speaker 11) objected when the motion was called. The chair directed a roll call; the secretary recorded four yeas and one nay. The committee reported HB 1112 favorable as amended and it will proceed to the next stage.
Why it matters: The measure adjusts how the state treats nonpublic pre‑K providers approved by BESE. Supporters framed it as protecting parental choice and preventing regulatory overreach; opponents warned about possible gaps in oversight and sought review of language and timing.
Next step: Because a roll call was recorded in committee, the vote and the amendment will be part of the legislative record as the bill moves toward floor consideration.
