Texas House Bill HB2959

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to adoption and ownership of mathematics and science textbooks for public school students.

Impact

The bill amends existing statutes in the Education Code, allowing for more flexibility in textbook selection while setting conditions for royalty payments to ensure that state funds are used effectively. By establishing limits on royalties based on subject and grade level, the bill aims to make educational materials more affordable for schools, which can lead to increased access for students. Additionally, the bill ensures that the state retains the rights to print and distribute these textbooks indefinitely, supporting equitable access among all public schools.

Summary

House Bill 2959 focuses on the adoption and ownership of mathematics and science textbooks for public school students in Texas. The bill aims to streamline the process for schools to access low-cost textbooks by allowing contents to be submitted for review and approval by the State Board of Education. It introduces new regulations around textbook content and ownership, particularly emphasizing state control over the materials provided to students.

Contention

There may be some points of contention or concern surrounding the bill, particularly regarding how the royalty limits will be set and enforced. Stakeholders, such as textbook publishers and educational service providers, may have differing opinions on the impact of royalty restrictions on the quality and availability of textbooks. Furthermore, the requirement for textbooks to meet specific content and quality standards may lead to debates on the appropriateness of the materials selected for inclusion on the state's conforming or nonconforming lists.