Texas House Bill HB1099

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to measures to increase the affordability of textbooks used for courses at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 51 of the Education Code, creating a new subchapter dedicated to textbooks. This change will require textbook publishers to provide specific information about textbook prices, revisions, and copyrights to faculty members. Such transparency aims to facilitate informed decisions on the procurement of textbooks and supplementary materials, which can significantly affect the costs incurred by students. The effective date of these provisions begins with the 2010 fall semester, indicating a push to implement changes promptly.

Summary

House Bill 1099 is a legislative proposal aimed at increasing the affordability of textbooks for students enrolled in public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill introduces several measures that impact the practices of textbook publishers and the availability of educational materials. One of the primary goals is to ensure that students have access to affordable course materials, which is a significant concern for many students and their families as the cost of education continues to rise.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 1099 has primarily focused on the balance between publishers' rights to protect their intellectual property and the need for price transparency that will ultimately benefit students. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step toward making higher education more accessible by alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with purchasing textbooks. However, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the potential impact on the profitability of textbook publishers and the availability of certain educational materials, fearing that it could lead to a reduction in the variety of resources available to faculty and students.