West Virginia House Bill HB3555

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Engrossed: 2/24/23
• Refer: 2/25/23
• Report Pass: 3/7/23
• Enrolled: 3/11/23
• Passed: 3/11/23
• Chaptered: 5/1/23

Caption

Relating to student purchase and refunds of course material

Impact

The impact of the bill on state laws reflects a significant shift towards enhanced consumer protections for students. Institutions must now establish an educational materials affordability committee, comprised of faculty, students, and other stakeholders, to review and minimize the costs of educational materials. This requirement aims to foster affordability and accessibility for students, while also ensuring compliance with federal regulations regarding data privacy and student information management.

Summary

House Bill 3555 seeks to amend existing regulations regarding the fees associated with course materials at higher education institutions in West Virginia. The bill allows these institutions to offer a courseware and book fee either as a lump sum or on a per credit hour basis, provided that students are offered an opt-out option. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of transparency by requiring institutions to disclose any charges related to course materials, ensuring students are well-informed before their enrollment in a course.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3555 appears to be largely supportive among student advocacy groups and educational institutions, highlighting the bill's potential to lower costs and improve the purchasing experience for students. However, concerns exist regarding the enforcement of transparency and data protection measures, as well as the implications of the opt-out clause which might not guarantee complete student agency over course material costs.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the discussions surrounding the bill is the balance between institutional flexibility and student rights. Some stakeholders argue that while the opt-out option provides a degree of agency, it may not fully address the complexity of students' financial obligations related to course materials. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the potential exploitation of student data collected through course material sales, prompting calls for stringent protections to be integrated into the bill's framework.