The original instrument was prepared by Jeanne Johnston. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Martha
Hess.
DIGEST
SB 117 Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session Walsworth
Proposed law provides for greater availability and use of affordable textbooks and other educational
resources by requiring public postsecondary education institutions, beginning with Fall 2020, to:
(1)Use a conspicuous symbol, logo, or other distinguishing feature to highlight each course
included in its course schedule that exclusively utilizes AER or OER course materials
available and ensure that these course materials comply with the federal Americans with
Disabilities Act of and the federal Copyright Act of 1976.
(2)Clearly communicate to students how to access AER and OER course materials available.
(3)Provide summary data as requested by the Board of Regents regarding courses that
exclusively utilize AER and OER course materials that are available.
(4)Publish the course schedule and textbook list on their website prior to opening course
registration, but not later than thirty days prior to the beginning of each academic term, and
provide this information to LOUIS, individual campus libraries, and other entities or
programs as might be specified by the Board of Regents.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:3129.9)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill
1. Changes definition of "open educational resource".
2. Changes date for postsecondary education action to Fall 2020.
3. Makes technical corrections.
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the engrossed bill
1. Removes requirement for the Board of Regents, through LOUIS:The Louisiana
Library Network, and the state's public postsecondary education institutions to
develop and implement a plan to increase the development, acquisition, availability, and accessibility of affordable textbooks and other educational resources for
postsecondary students.
2. Removes requirement that the plan include a list of courses prioritized for support to
convert course materials to affordable educational resources (AER) and open
educational resources (OER); faculty grants to develop, convert, or adopt AER or
OER; a digital repository to serve as a publicly accessible database for AER and
OER; and strategies to promote the production, access, and use of AER and OER.