LSU Seeks More Freedom From State Regulations

LSU's push for exemptions from job protections, purchasing provisions and other regulations that govern state agencies is running into a tight timeline for legislative decision-making.

Attempts to loosen restrictions on the university will be a central debate tied to the higher education budget. Among the concerns is that the changes could lead to lax oversight and less accountability for LSU.

House Speaker Jim Tucker questions whether lawmakers will have time to properly vet the ideas in the legislative session. The session begins April 25 and only lasts two months.

LSU Chief Financial Officer Eric Monday says the changes could reduce campus costs by $85 million over five years and put it in line with other flagship universities. He says LSU is not seeking an end to oversight by state officials.