A bill in Louisiana would remove all state funding from a university if its law clinic sues the state, individuals or makes constitutional claims—effectively forcing most of the clinics to close. 

The bill comes after industry groups in the state complained about Tulane Universities environmental law clinic, arguing it was driving business out of the state.  Earlier in the year, the law clinic sued the state for poorly enforcing the Clean Air Act. 

Industry groups around the country argue that the law clinics discourage business and misuse government funds.  Legal experts and educators argue that the clinics provide critical training opportunities for future lawyers and needed representation for low income and community organizations. 

Most major law schools have at least one legal clinic allowing students working with faculty members to take on cases dealing with problems low income residents face, challenging free speech issues, environmental and public health problems and other issues. 

Though the bill is targeted at Tulane University, it would impact other law schools in the state.

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