Texas Senate Bill SB145

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/10/08
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/29/09

Caption

Relating to the sale by textbook publishers of bundled instructional material for use by students at public institutions of higher education; providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill carries significant implications for state laws concerning educational practices and the financial landscape of higher education. By enforcing the unbundling of instructional materials, SB145 seeks to prevent publishers from compelling students to buy entire bundles when they may only need one or two items. The potential for increased competition and reduced prices for individual items could improve access to educational resources for students across Texas. Additionally, the bill introduces administrative penalties for non-compliance, which may incentivize publishers to abide by these new regulations.

Summary

SB145 aims to regulate the sale practices of textbook publishers at public institutions of higher education by mandating that when a publisher offers a 'textbook bundle' (which may include additional materials such as printed materials, computer disks, or access codes), they must also provide the option to purchase each individual component separately. This measure is intended to enhance transparency and affordability in instructional material sales for students, enabling them to make informed choices based on their specific needs and budget constraints.

Conclusion

Overall, SB145 is a legislative attempt to enhance the affordability and accessibility of educational materials in Texas's higher education institutions. By focusing on the practices of textbook publishers and ensuring more options for students, the bill strives to foster a more equitable academic environment where financial burdens are alleviated, and educational success is supported.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding the enforcement of the bill and the potential resistance from textbook publishers, who could argue that bundling is a way to offer discounts or value that may be harder to replicate through unbundled sales. Furthermore, the bill's stipulation that the pricing for unbundled items should approximate that of the bundled items may not be straightforward to implement in practice, possibly leading to legal challenges or disputes regarding adherence to the law. Stakeholders, such as academic institutions and students themselves, might have differing opinions about the necessity and effectiveness of such regulations.