The original instrument was prepared by Jeanne C. Johnston. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Jeanne
C. Johnston.
DIGEST
SB 117 Re-Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session Walsworth
Proposed law defines "affordable educational resource" (AER) and "open educational resource"
(OER).
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 and
ensure that these course materials comply with applicable federal law. The institution may
also include other cost-related information.
(2)Clearly communicate to students how to access AER and OER course materials.
(3)Provide summary data as requested by the Board of Regents regarding courses that
exclusively utilize AER and OER course materials.
(4)Publish the course schedule and required textbooks on their website prior to opening course
registration, but not later than thirty days prior to the beginning of each academic term.
Additionally requires that this information be provided to LOUIS:The Louisiana Library
Network, individual campus libraries, and other entities or programs 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.
Senate Floor Amendments to reengrossed bill
1. Redefines "affordable educational resource".
2. Clarifies that postsecondary institutions may include other distinguishing features
related to the cost of course materials in the course catalog.
3. Requires postsecondary institutions to include required textbooks instead of a
textbook list in the course catalog.
4. Makes technical corrections.