Texas House Bill HB2488

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09
• Voted on by House: 4/30/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/21/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/2/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to open-source textbooks and other instructional materials for public schools.

Impact

The introduction of HB2488 is expected to broaden the accessibility of educational materials while potentially reducing costs associated with traditional textbooks. By allowing open-source textbooks to be made available at no charge to students, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens on both families and school districts. Furthermore, the bill provides official channels through which educational institutions can submit textbooks for approval, fostering a more collaborative educational environment. However, it imposes a structure that schools must navigate to obtain these materials, which may require adjustment and adaptation at the district level.

Summary

House Bill 2488 introduces significant changes to the use of open-source textbooks in public education within Texas. The bill amends the Education Code to define an open-source textbook and stipulates the criteria under which these textbooks may be adopted for secondary courses. A notable requirement is that only those open-source textbooks written and submitted by Texas educational institutions that meet specific research funding criteria will be eligible for adoption. This is intended to promote the use of locally produced educational resources, enhancing both access and relevance for Texas students.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB2488 relates to the balance between state regulation and institutional autonomy. Critics may express concern regarding the potential bureaucratic hurdles created by the requirement that textbooks be submitted by institutions meeting specific criteria, which could disadvantage smaller or less-resourced educational entities. Additionally, there may be debate over whether the adoption process is adequately rigorous to ensure the quality and accuracy of open-source materials, particularly given the emphasis on local educational institutions for textbook content.