Texas Senate Bill SB454

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The introduction of SB454 is expected to have significant implications on state laws regarding textbooks and educational resources. The bill modifies existing provisions in the Texas Education Code to enhance oversight and accountability of textbook publishers. By establishing penalties for non-compliance, it aims to deter practices that contribute to rising textbook costs, ultimately benefiting students and educational institutions alike. The funding collected from penalties is designated to help provide scholarships for students in need of financial assistance for textbooks, thereby directly addressing the financial burdens faced by many students.

Summary

SB454 aims to increase the affordability of textbooks used at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill establishes requirements for textbook publishers to provide detailed pricing information and the history of any revisions to faculty members selecting course materials. It mandates transparency in the textbook market to ensure that educational institutions and students can make informed choices when purchasing textbooks, which is crucial for maintaining educational quality while managing costs. The bill includes provisions for sales of textbook bundles and requires publishers to offer individual textbooks and materials separately as well.

Contention

While SB454 is generally supported as a measure to promote affordability and accessibility, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the administrative burden on publishers and universities to comply with new regulations. Critics might argue that the bill could inadvertently lead to increased prices due to compliance costs or may restrict the availability of certain textbooks. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the implementation of penalties and the adequacy of scholarships funded through these penalties to truly alleviate textbook costs for all eligible students.