Another bill designed to control the cost of college textbooks has been introduced, this time by Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano). This bill is noteworthy because Sen. Shapiro chaired the Senate Education Committee during the previous session. Committee assignments have not been announced yet for the current session.
Unlike a previous bill that sought to regulate the textbook selection process used by faculty members, this one is targeted mainly at the publishing companies by requiring them to publish costs and copyright information, presumably in order for faculty and students to make informed choices. Schools are also required to publicize required textbooks with price listings under the proposed measure. The bill would further compel publishers to offer "bundled" material separately without increasing the total cost. "Bundling" has been a sore point with students in testimony on previous measures before the Legislature.
The bill would establish an "administrative penalty" for violators, to be determined by the Coordinating Board.
The text of the bill, SB 454, is available here. The measure has been placed on the TCCTA "Tracking List."
The TCCTA Legislative Program for 2009 contains a provision on the subject of textbook selection.
Also, the association's "Talking Points" include a number of statements for members to use at their discretion in discussing the issue with policy makers.
Comments