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State Bills 2008
These bills have been introduced in their respective state legislatures during 2008, or during a prefiling period at the end of 2007. Some bills were introduced in previous years but were carried over into the 2008 session.
For specific wording on each bill, sponsors, and other details, click on the bill number. Or, click a state legislature's link and use the legislature's bill tracking or legislative information services to access the bill's online records. The wording and status of bills may be subject to rapid and frequent change by their assigned committees, although it is often common for bills to sit in committee for months without action.
For summaries of previous years' state bills, go to:
State Bills 2007
State Bills 2006
State Bills 2005
State Bills 2007
State Bills 2006
State Bills 2005
For a list of states enacting or attempting to enact sales tax exemption legislation, go to:
Sales Taxes Charged on College and University Textbooks.
Sales Taxes Charged on College and University Textbooks.
For a summary of congressional legislation affecting the college store industry, go to:
Federal Bills 2008
Federal Bills 2008
Alabama
Senate Bill 286 and Senate Bill 419 (identical)
Exempts purchase of college textbooks from sales taxes, with proof of enrollment and syllabus or other form showing books are required for classes.
Exempts purchase of college textbooks from sales taxes, with proof of enrollment and syllabus or other form showing books are required for classes.
Status: SB 286 introduced 2/7/08, SB 419 introduced 2/21/08. Both referred to Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education. No new action taken as of regular session adjournment, 5/19/08.
House Bill 889
Bans state employees from receiving incentives to adopt textbooks. Requires public institutions to post booklists, including ISBNs, and create guidelines to encourage minimizing cost of textbooks, including asking faculty to choose books in a timely fashion and confirm they will use all bundle components. Provides textbooks to students unable to afford them. Creates an all-faculty College Textbook Review Board to serve as "interface" between publishers and bookstore management to explore textbook costs. Authorizes review board to require publishers to justify new editions and provide marketing materials to faculty, and to set maximum price increases on textbook reprints.
Bans state employees from receiving incentives to adopt textbooks. Requires public institutions to post booklists, including ISBNs, and create guidelines to encourage minimizing cost of textbooks, including asking faculty to choose books in a timely fashion and confirm they will use all bundle components. Provides textbooks to students unable to afford them. Creates an all-faculty College Textbook Review Board to serve as "interface" between publishers and bookstore management to explore textbook costs. Authorizes review board to require publishers to justify new editions and provide marketing materials to faculty, and to set maximum price increases on textbook reprints.
Status: Introduced 4/16/08, referred to House Committee on Education Appropriations. No new action taken as of regular session adjournment, 5/19/08.
Senate Bill 103A
Exempts purchases of college textbooks from sales taxes.
Exempts purchases of college textbooks from sales taxes.
Status: Introduced 5/27/08 in special session, referred to Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation Education. No action taken as of special session adjournment, 5/31/08.
Alaska
w3.legis.state.ask.us/index.php
House Bill 375
Prohibits higher education institutions from adopting textbooks unless publishers have supplied summaries of differences between textbook editions and copyright dates of all previous editions. Calls on institutions to ask publishers to provide the estimated time on market for current editions and to include pricing and other information on marketing materials. Bans institutions from accepting anything of value in return for choosing textbooks, other than complimentary copies, royalties, honoraria for peer review, and training in the use of the materials.
Prohibits higher education institutions from adopting textbooks unless publishers have supplied summaries of differences between textbook editions and copyright dates of all previous editions. Calls on institutions to ask publishers to provide the estimated time on market for current editions and to include pricing and other information on marketing materials. Bans institutions from accepting anything of value in return for choosing textbooks, other than complimentary copies, royalties, honoraria for peer review, and training in the use of the materials.
Status: Introduced 2/19/08, referred to House Committee on Health, Education, and Social Services and House Committee on Finance. No new action taken as of regular session adjournment, 4/13/08.
Arizona
www.azleg.gov
House Bill 2230 and Senate Bill 1175 (identical)
Original bills: Requires publishers to provide written information to those selecting course materials for higher education classes, including retail/wholesale prices, copyright dates of previous editions, differences between editions, and availability of alternative formats. Bundle components must be sold separately.
Committee amendments: Both bills were completely rewritten to clarify language on providing info on prices, copyright, editions, and alternative formats; to omit bundle requirement; and to add provisions requiring schools to adopt policies encouraging faculty to select course materials with sufficient lead time, banning public employees from accepting inducement to adopt books, and prohibiting the resale of comp copies.
Original bills: Requires publishers to provide written information to those selecting course materials for higher education classes, including retail/wholesale prices, copyright dates of previous editions, differences between editions, and availability of alternative formats. Bundle components must be sold separately.
Committee amendments: Both bills were completely rewritten to clarify language on providing info on prices, copyright, editions, and alternative formats; to omit bundle requirement; and to add provisions requiring schools to adopt policies encouraging faculty to select course materials with sufficient lead time, banning public employees from accepting inducement to adopt books, and prohibiting the resale of comp copies.
Final status: HB 2230 signed into law as Chapter 146 by governor, 5/1/08.
History of HB 2230: Introduced 1/15/08; referred to House Committee on Higher Education, 1/22/08. Amended by committee, 2/19/08. Passed House, 3/19/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education and Senate Committee on Rules, 3/24/08. Higher Education Committee recommended passage, 4/2/08. Passed Senate, 4/28/08. Sent to governor, 4/29/08.
History of SB 1175: Introduced 1/23/08; referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education, 1/24/08. Amended by committee, 2/20/08. Passed Senate, 3/18/08. Referred to House Committee on Higher Education and House Committee on Rules, 3/25/08. Withdrawn from Committee on Higher Education and referred to House Committee on Environment, 6/24/08.
California
Assembly Bill 2261
Original bill: Authorizes the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges to launch a competitive grant pilot program for establishing open education resources (OER) centers at community colleges, funded by state lottery monies. Recipients would develop course content based on open-source or public domain course materials. Grantees also would create an introduction to OER concepts and production methodologies for faculty, staff, and others. After two years, a third-party consultant would evaluate the program.
Committee amendments: Omits lottery monies. Allows colleges to use state, federal, or private funding for pilots. (4/16/08) Omits consultant evaluation. Requires participants to report information to chancellor. (5/22/08)
Original bill: Authorizes the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges to launch a competitive grant pilot program for establishing open education resources (OER) centers at community colleges, funded by state lottery monies. Recipients would develop course content based on open-source or public domain course materials. Grantees also would create an introduction to OER concepts and production methodologies for faculty, staff, and others. After two years, a third-party consultant would evaluate the program.
Committee amendments: Omits lottery monies. Allows colleges to use state, federal, or private funding for pilots. (4/16/08) Omits consultant evaluation. Requires participants to report information to chancellor. (5/22/08)
Status: Introduced 2/21/08. Referred to Assembly Committee on Higher Education, 3/5/08. Committee amended and referred to Assembly Committee on Appropriations, 4/16/08. In suspense file, 4/23/08. Appropriations amendments, 5/22/08. Committee recommended passage, 5/28/08. Passed Assembly, 5/28/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education, 6/5/08. Hearing, 6/18/08. Higher Education recommended passage, 6/26/08. Rereferred to Senate Committee on Appropriations, 6/26/08.
Colorado
Senate Bill 73
Original bill: Requires publishers to provide information on textbooks' wholesale prices, substantial revisions between editions, and the availability and pricing of alternative formats. Publishers would also have to sell textbook bundle components separately.
Senate amendments: Adds language to specify that publishers provide information to faculty and instructors; other minor wording changes.
House amendments: Adds wording that bookstores should work with faculty to review timelines and processes for ordering/stocking textbooks, disclose pricing, and promote buyback.
Original bill: Requires publishers to provide information on textbooks' wholesale prices, substantial revisions between editions, and the availability and pricing of alternative formats. Publishers would also have to sell textbook bundle components separately.
Senate amendments: Adds language to specify that publishers provide information to faculty and instructors; other minor wording changes.
House amendments: Adds wording that bookstores should work with faculty to review timelines and processes for ordering/stocking textbooks, disclose pricing, and promote buyback.
Final status: Signed into law as Chapter 108 by governor, 4/8/08.
History: Introduced 1/16/08, referred to Senate Committee on Education. Committee amendments, 2/7/08. Passed Senate, 2/20/08. Referred to House Committee on Education, 2/20/08. House Committee approved 3/6/08. House amendment passed, 3/10/08. Passed House, 3/11/08.
Florida
House Bill 603 and Senate Bill 2350 (identical)
Prohibits state employees from accepting remuneration for adopting texts. Requires public higher education institutions to post required textbook lists with ISBNs on the web at least 30 days before the term starts. Mandates State Board of Education and Board of Governors develop policies to ensure timely adoptions; instructors confirm all required bundle components will be used; and determine how new editions differ from previous.
Substitute for SB 2350: Adds provision that "other identifying information" can be posted in lieu of ISBN, but must include title, authors, publishers, edition number, copyright date, and published date.
Prohibits state employees from accepting remuneration for adopting texts. Requires public higher education institutions to post required textbook lists with ISBNs on the web at least 30 days before the term starts. Mandates State Board of Education and Board of Governors develop policies to ensure timely adoptions; instructors confirm all required bundle components will be used; and determine how new editions differ from previous.
Substitute for SB 2350: Adds provision that "other identifying information" can be posted in lieu of ISBN, but must include title, authors, publishers, edition number, copyright date, and published date.
Final status: HB 603 signed into law as Chapter 78 by governor, 5/28/08.
History of HB 603: Prefiled 1/18/08. Referred to House Policy and Budget Committee and House Schools and Learning Council, 1/27/08. House Schools and Learning Council recommended passage, 3/18/08. House Policy and Budget hearing, 3/25/08. Policy and Budget recommended passage, 3/25/08. Passed House, 4/16/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education Appropriations, 4/16/08. Substituted for SB 2350, 4/17/08. Passed Senate, 4/23/08. Sent to governor, 5/16/08.
History of SB 2350: Prefiled 2/27/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education and Senate Committee on Higher Education Appropriations, 3/13/08. Higher Education Committee hearing, 3/26/08. Higher Education recommended passage, 3/26/08. Higher Education Appropriations hearing, 4/8/08. Hi-Ed Appropriations recommended passage of substitute, 4/8/08. Rejected by Senate in favor of HB 603, 4/17/08.
Illinois
House Bill 4903 (Transparency in College Textbook Publishing Practices Act)
Original bill: Prohibits public higher education institutions from selling textbooks on campus unless the publishers publicize certain information, including price differences between bundled and unbundled books, content differences between editions, estimates of the time a new edition will remain on the market, and any compensation provided to faculty or administration as an inducement for adoption.
House amendment 1: Replaces original bill with new version. Requires publishers to disclose to faculty the wholesale prices of textbooks, revision history for previous 10 years, and existence and price of alternative formats or supplementals. Requires publishers to sell bundle components individually.
House amendment 2: Requires publishers to provide disclosure information in writing, provide prices of custom textbooks in advance, only provide revision history for previous edition.
Original bill: Prohibits public higher education institutions from selling textbooks on campus unless the publishers publicize certain information, including price differences between bundled and unbundled books, content differences between editions, estimates of the time a new edition will remain on the market, and any compensation provided to faculty or administration as an inducement for adoption.
House amendment 1: Replaces original bill with new version. Requires publishers to disclose to faculty the wholesale prices of textbooks, revision history for previous 10 years, and existence and price of alternative formats or supplementals. Requires publishers to sell bundle components individually.
House amendment 2: Requires publishers to provide disclosure information in writing, provide prices of custom textbooks in advance, only provide revision history for previous edition.
Status: Introduced 2/11/08. Referred to House Committee on Higher Education. Committee recommended passage as amended, 3/12/08. Committee adopted second amendment, 4/14/08. House extended final action deadline to 5/31/08 (third extension). Failed to report by deadline, 5/31/08.
Senate Bill 2616
Requires the Illinois Board of Higher Education to create textbook rental programs at public universities, beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year.
Requires the Illinois Board of Higher Education to create textbook rental programs at public universities, beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year.
Status: Introduced 2/15/08.
Senate Bill 2832
Creates the Higher Education Textbook Act (one of four). Full text not yet available.
Creates the Higher Education Textbook Act (one of four). Full text not yet available.
Status: Introduced 2/15/08.
Senate Bill 2833
Creates the Higher Education Textbook Act (one of four). Full text not yet available.
Creates the Higher Education Textbook Act (one of four). Full text not yet available.
Status: Introduced 2/15/08.
Senate Bill 2835
Creates the Higher Education Textbook Act (one of four). Full text not yet available.
Creates the Higher Education Textbook Act (one of four). Full text not yet available.
Status: Introduced 2/15/08.
Senate Bill 2836
Creates the Higher Education Textbook Act (one of four). Full text not yet available.
Creates the Higher Education Textbook Act (one of four). Full text not yet available.
Status: Introduced 2/15/08.
Senate Bill 326 (Textbook Consumer Information Act)
Original bill: Requires publishers to disclose wholesale prices, history of revisions, and cost of individual bundle items to faculty. Requires faculty to provide written booklists to the bookstore, including the earliest edition a student may use. Requires bookstores to publish booklists with ISBNs and retail prices on the web.
Senate amendments: Requires institutions, not bookstores, to post booklists on schools' web site. Requires institutions to ensure availability of information on edition revisions. Excludes institutions with textbook rentals from requirements, except for materials not included in rental program.
Floor amendments: Changes information requirements for publishers. Omits specific requirements for faculty, but mandates clear identification of adopted books. Omits specific requirements for bookstores, but requires disclosure of booklists for each course. Omits requirement that institutions verify edition changes.
Original bill: Requires publishers to disclose wholesale prices, history of revisions, and cost of individual bundle items to faculty. Requires faculty to provide written booklists to the bookstore, including the earliest edition a student may use. Requires bookstores to publish booklists with ISBNs and retail prices on the web.
Senate amendments: Requires institutions, not bookstores, to post booklists on schools' web site. Requires institutions to ensure availability of information on edition revisions. Excludes institutions with textbook rentals from requirements, except for materials not included in rental program.
Floor amendments: Changes information requirements for publishers. Omits specific requirements for faculty, but mandates clear identification of adopted books. Omits specific requirements for bookstores, but requires disclosure of booklists for each course. Omits requirement that institutions verify edition changes.
Status: Introduced 2/7/07. Referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education. Committee recommended passage as amended, 3/8/07. Bill amended second time, 3/28/07. Passed Senate, 3/29/07. Referred to House Committee on Higher Education, 4/30/07. Committee did not report; referred back to Rules Committee, 5/31/07. Committee deadline extended, 5/19/08. Assigned to House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, 5/19/08. Hearing, 5/28/08. Final passage deadline extended to 5/31. Passed House, 5/30/08. Referred back to Rules Committee, 7/1/08.
Indiana
Senate Bill 141 and House Bill 1073 (identical)
Exempts textbooks required for college courses from sales taxes. Purchaser must be an enrolled student or parent/guardian.
Exempts textbooks required for college courses from sales taxes. Purchaser must be an enrolled student or parent/guardian.
Status of SB 141: Introduced 1/8/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy. No action taken, regular session adjourned, 3/14/08.
Status of HB 1073: Introduced 1/8/08. Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means. No action taken, regular session adjourned, 3/14/08.
House File 2197 (formerly House File 2015)
Original bill: Requires universities and community colleges to post textbook titles and ISBNs on the web and "on campus where textbooks are sold."
Successor bill: Adds a requirement that textbook titles and ISBNs be posted at least 14 days before the start of the term.
Senate amendments: Changes "requires" to "encourages" and adds "to the extent possible" to the 14-day time frame.
Conference committee amendment: Changes "encourages" to "recommends."
Original bill: Requires universities and community colleges to post textbook titles and ISBNs on the web and "on campus where textbooks are sold."
Successor bill: Adds a requirement that textbook titles and ISBNs be posted at least 14 days before the start of the term.
Senate amendments: Changes "requires" to "encourages" and adds "to the extent possible" to the 14-day time frame.
Conference committee amendment: Changes "encourages" to "recommends."
Final status: Signed into law by governor, 5/7/08.
History: HF 2015 introduced 1/15/08, referred to House Committee on Education. Committee introduced successor bill (HF 2197), 2/8/08. Passed House, 2/21/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Education, 2/25/08. Senate amendment, 3/31/08. Passed Senate, 3/31/08. To House for concurrence, 4/1/08. House refused to concur, 4/15/08. Senate insisted on concurrence, 4/17/08. Conference committee appointed, 4/17/08. Committee recommended passage with amendment, 4/22/08. Passed House and Senate, 4/22/08. Sent to governor, 4/28/08.
Kansas
Senate Bill 678
Requires the CEO of each state higher education institution to implement policies to minimize the cost of course materials. The policies should: Ensure that faculty consider the least costly course materials; require publishers to include retail price and revision history in marketing materials to faculty and to provide pricing and edition dates to schools at least 90 days before the start of a course.
Requires the CEO of each state higher education institution to implement policies to minimize the cost of course materials. The policies should: Ensure that faculty consider the least costly course materials; require publishers to include retail price and revision history in marketing materials to faculty and to provide pricing and edition dates to schools at least 90 days before the start of a course.
Status: Introduced 3/12/08, referred to Senate Education Committee. Hearing, 3/24/08. Died in committee upon regular session adjournment, 5/29/08.
Senate Bill 437
Majority of bill deals with ROTC programs on campus. An amendment requires the board of regents at each public postsecondary institution to implement policies requiring faculty to consider the least costly textbook options and mandating that textbook price information be available to students at enrollment.
Majority of bill deals with ROTC programs on campus. An amendment requires the board of regents at each public postsecondary institution to implement policies requiring faculty to consider the least costly textbook options and mandating that textbook price information be available to students at enrollment.
Final status: Signed into law by governor without textbook section, 4/22/08.
History: Introduced 1/17/08. Referred to Senate Education Committee. Passed Senate, 2/21/08. Referred to House Education Committee. House amended, 3/14/08. Senate did not concur with amendments; conference committee appointed, 3/19/08. Conference committee omitted textbook section, 4/4/08. Sent to governor, 4/14/08.
Kentucky
HCR 4 (BR 23)
Requests a study of course materials pricing, to include publisher pricing policies; production costs; market competition and profit margins for publishers, distributors, and booksellers; effects of digital materials on book prices; relationship between distribution structures for new and used books; role of shorter revision cycles; adoption practices and the effect of marketing incentives. Concurrent resolution from both House and Senate. Same bill was introduced in 2006 as HCR 9 and in 2007 as HCR 14.
Requests a study of course materials pricing, to include publisher pricing policies; production costs; market competition and profit margins for publishers, distributors, and booksellers; effects of digital materials on book prices; relationship between distribution structures for new and used books; role of shorter revision cycles; adoption practices and the effect of marketing incentives. Concurrent resolution from both House and Senate. Same bill was introduced in 2006 as HCR 9 and in 2007 as HCR 14.
Status: Prefiled in 2007. Referred to House Committee on Education, 1/11/08. No action taken as of regular session adjournment, 4/15/08.
Louisiana
House Resolution 157 and Senate Resolution 168 (identical)
Requests Board of Regents to study course materials costs for students at public institutions and to develop short- and long-term recommendations to improve textbook affordability.
Requests Board of Regents to study course materials costs for students at public institutions and to develop short- and long-term recommendations to improve textbook affordability.
Final status: House passed HR 157 and Senate passed SR 168, 6/22/08.
History: HR 157 introduced 6/16/08; referred to House Committee on Education. Committee recommended passage, 6/17/08. SR 168 introduced, rules suspended, 6/22/08.
House Resolution 170 and
Senate Resolution 179 (identical)
Requests each public postsecondary education management board to review policies and require students be notified of textbook adoptions at least 45 days prior to the start of class.
Requests each public postsecondary education management board to review policies and require students be notified of textbook adoptions at least 45 days prior to the start of class.
Final status: House passed HR 170, 6/20/08. Senate passed SR 179, 6/23/08.
History: Both resolutions were introduced and the rules suspended.
Maryland
House Bill 3 and Senate Bill 81 (identical)
Requires booklists to be posted online with ISBNs as soon as the instructor or department "identifies the textbook for order and subsequent student purchase." Also prohibits public employees from accepting inducements for adopting specific course materials, but does permit royalties and comp copies. Same bill was introduced in 2007 as SB 166 and HB 1092.
Requires booklists to be posted online with ISBNs as soon as the instructor or department "identifies the textbook for order and subsequent student purchase." Also prohibits public employees from accepting inducements for adopting specific course materials, but does permit royalties and comp copies. Same bill was introduced in 2007 as SB 166 and HB 1092.
Status of HB 3: Prefiled 8/9/07, referred to House Appropriations Committee. Hearing, 1/29/08. Committee report unfavorable, 4/7/08.
Status of SB 81: Introduced 1/15/08, referred to Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee. Hearing, 2/21/08. No action taken as of regular session adjournment, 4/7/08.
Senate Bill 657 and House Bill 1067 (identical)
Original bill: Requires postsecondary institutions to develop a process to advise faculty on edition changes, price, availability of used books, and cost of bundle options. Prohibits faculty from adopting textbooks for student purchase unless at least 50% of the content will be used. At least eight weeks before classes, institutions must post textbook information on the web, including title, author, publisher, and ISBN. Campus bookstores are prohibited from generating more revenues than expenditures, unless the revenue goes toward lowering textbook costs or setting up rental programs.
Senate amendments: Numerous revisions. Still requires creation of process for information disclosure but changes 50% requirement to "majority of assigned material." Requires schools to provide adoption information to any store on request. Still requires public posting of information but changes eight-week time frame to when book orders are finalized. Allows off-campus stores access to on-campus marketing venues. Requires online booksellers to comply to same requirements as physical stores. Requires feasibility studies of textbook rentals and statewide digital marketplace for textbooks.
House amendments: Requires book information to be posted online no more than three weeks after a professor turns it in to the bookstore. Deletes section giving off-campus stores access to marketing venues.
Original bill: Requires postsecondary institutions to develop a process to advise faculty on edition changes, price, availability of used books, and cost of bundle options. Prohibits faculty from adopting textbooks for student purchase unless at least 50% of the content will be used. At least eight weeks before classes, institutions must post textbook information on the web, including title, author, publisher, and ISBN. Campus bookstores are prohibited from generating more revenues than expenditures, unless the revenue goes toward lowering textbook costs or setting up rental programs.
Senate amendments: Numerous revisions. Still requires creation of process for information disclosure but changes 50% requirement to "majority of assigned material." Requires schools to provide adoption information to any store on request. Still requires public posting of information but changes eight-week time frame to when book orders are finalized. Allows off-campus stores access to on-campus marketing venues. Requires online booksellers to comply to same requirements as physical stores. Requires feasibility studies of textbook rentals and statewide digital marketplace for textbooks.
House amendments: Requires book information to be posted online no more than three weeks after a professor turns it in to the bookstore. Deletes section giving off-campus stores access to marketing venues.
Status of SB 657: Introduced 2/1/08; referred to Senate Health, Education, and Environmental Affairs Committee. Hearing, 2/21/08. Committee recommended passage, 3/17/08. Amended by Senate, 3/19/08. Passed Senate, 3/21/08. Referred to House Appropriations Committee, 3/18/08. Hearing, 3/26/08. House Appropriations recommended passage, 4/3/08. Passed House, 4/4/08. Senate refused to concur with House amendments; conference committee appointed, 4/5/08.
Status of HB 1067: Introduced 2/7/08; referred to House Appropriations Committee. Hearing, 3/4/08. Committee recommended passage, 4/3/08. Passed House, 4/4/08. Referred to Senate Health, Education, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 4/7/08.
House Bill 871
Exempts required textbooks bought by higher education students from sales taxes.
Exempts required textbooks bought by higher education students from sales taxes.
Status: Introduced 2/6/08, referred to House Committee on Ways and Means. Hearing, 3/18/08. Withdrawn from further consideration, 3/20/08.
House Bill 1068
Requires publishers to furnish information about textbooks, including retail prices, publication dates of previous editions, and availability of lower-priced versions or alternatives (such as unbundled books or e-books). Requires publishers to stick to quoted prices for the remainder of the academic term. Also requires public colleges and universities to develop procedures enabling financial aid recipients to buy required textbooks before aid money has been disbursed.
Requires publishers to furnish information about textbooks, including retail prices, publication dates of previous editions, and availability of lower-priced versions or alternatives (such as unbundled books or e-books). Requires publishers to stick to quoted prices for the remainder of the academic term. Also requires public colleges and universities to develop procedures enabling financial aid recipients to buy required textbooks before aid money has been disbursed.
Status: Introduced 2/7/08, referred to House Committee on Appropriations. Hearing, 3/4/08. Committee report unfavorable, 4/7/08.
Massachusetts
House Bill 1200 (House Docket 3674)
Requires publishers to provide a product list, wholesale prices, and estimated time products will remain on the market. Requires bundle components be made available for individual sale.
Requires publishers to provide a product list, wholesale prices, and estimated time products will remain on the market. Requires bundle components be made available for individual sale.
Status: Filed 1/10/07. Referred to Joint Committee on Higher Education. Hearing, 10/2/07. Committee recommended passage; referred to House Ways and Means Committee, 10/11/07.
Senate Bill 1705 (Senate Docket 106)
Exempts sales of textbooks by a college bookstore on a college campus from sales taxes.
Exempts sales of textbooks by a college bookstore on a college campus from sales taxes.
Status: Filed 1/10/07, referred to the Joint Committee on Revenue. Hearing, 6/5/07. Committee recommended passage, 5/1/08. Discharged to Senate Ethics and Rules Committee, 5/5/08.
Mississippi
Senate Bill 2192 and House Bill 894 (Postsecondary Textbook Pricing and Access Act)
Requires publishers to disclose in writing all modifications to all textbook editions, supplementals, and bundle components printed in the last decade and their prices. Requires faculty to consider least costly practices for textbooks, including using materials for longer periods, working with bookstores to improve adoption procedures and promote buyback, providing a written list of adoptions for each course, and indicating the earliest edition that students may use. For required bundles, bookstores must order equal numbers of bundles and unbundled texts and must post booklists with ISBNs online. Authorizes the establishment of self-sustaining textbook rental pilot programs, upon request of the student government and if existing contracts will allow. Caps rental fees at 33% of average annual retail cost for full-time students.
Requires publishers to disclose in writing all modifications to all textbook editions, supplementals, and bundle components printed in the last decade and their prices. Requires faculty to consider least costly practices for textbooks, including using materials for longer periods, working with bookstores to improve adoption procedures and promote buyback, providing a written list of adoptions for each course, and indicating the earliest edition that students may use. For required bundles, bookstores must order equal numbers of bundles and unbundled texts and must post booklists with ISBNs online. Authorizes the establishment of self-sustaining textbook rental pilot programs, upon request of the student government and if existing contracts will allow. Caps rental fees at 33% of average annual retail cost for full-time students.
Final status: Both bills died in committee, 2/19/08.
History of SB 2192: Introduced 1/17/08; referred to Senate Committee on Universities and Colleges.
History of HB 894: Introduced 2/4/08; referred to House Committee on Universities and Colleges and House Committee on Appropriations.
House Bill 1007
Same bill as SB 2192 and HB 894, with very minor wording differences.
Same bill as SB 2192 and HB 894, with very minor wording differences.
Final status: Died in committee, 2/19/08.
History: Introduced 2/4/08, referred to House Committee on Universities and Colleges.
House Bill 1646
Provides an income tax credit equal to 10% of the costs for textbooks for the taxpayer or a dependent if enrolled in at least six semester hours at a public or private higher education institution in the state. The credit may be claimed for five successive years.
Provides an income tax credit equal to 10% of the costs for textbooks for the taxpayer or a dependent if enrolled in at least six semester hours at a public or private higher education institution in the state. The credit may be claimed for five successive years.
Final status: Died in committee, 3/12/08.
History: Introduced 3/6/08, referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Missouri
House Bill 2048 (Textbook Transparency Act)
Original bill: Requires textbook publishers to include the wholesale price, history of revisions, and availability and price of alternative versions in marketing materials to faculty. Mandates publishers must sell bundle components separately and provide a revision history for each textbook be posted at the bookstore. Also requires public institutions to create policies to allow financial aid students to obtain textbooks prior to disbursement of their aid funds.
Committee substitute: Custom textbooks, special editions, and integrated textbooks are exempted from the requirements.
Original bill: Requires textbook publishers to include the wholesale price, history of revisions, and availability and price of alternative versions in marketing materials to faculty. Mandates publishers must sell bundle components separately and provide a revision history for each textbook be posted at the bookstore. Also requires public institutions to create policies to allow financial aid students to obtain textbooks prior to disbursement of their aid funds.
Committee substitute: Custom textbooks, special editions, and integrated textbooks are exempted from the requirements.
Final status: Signed into law by governor, 6/25/08.
History: Introduced 2/7/08. Referred to House Higher Education Committee, 2/12/08. Hearing, 3/4/08. Committee recommended passage of substitute, 3/11/08. Passed House, 4/2/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Education, 4/7/08. Hearing, 4/9/08. Committee recommended passage, 4/9/08. Passed Senate with minor amendments, 5/12/08. Sent to governor, 5/29/08.
New Jersey
Assembly Bill 513 and Assembly Bill 2317 (identical)
Allows an income tax credit up to $100 on the purchase of college textbooks. Numerous criteria must be met to earn the credit. AB 513 was introduced in 2006 as AB 454.
Allows an income tax credit up to $100 on the purchase of college textbooks. Numerous criteria must be met to earn the credit. AB 513 was introduced in 2006 as AB 454.
Status: AB 513 introduced 1/8/08, AB 2317 introduced 2/26/08. Both referred to Assembly Committee on Budget.
Assembly Bill 1314 and Senate Bill 1270 (identical)
Authorizes public institutions of higher education to establish textbook rental programs, with certain criteria. AB1314 was introduced in 2006 as AB 994.
Authorizes public institutions of higher education to establish textbook rental programs, with certain criteria. AB1314 was introduced in 2006 as AB 994.
Status of AB 1314: Introduced 1/8/08, referred to Assembly Committee on Higher Education. Committee report favorable, 1/24/08.
Status of SB 1270: Introduced 2/21/08, referred to Senate Committee on Education.
Senate Bill 1263 and Assembly Bill 2547 (identical)
Requires textbook publishers to provide public higher education institutions with information on textbook price and availability on request. Require governing boards to encourage faculty to submit adoptions in a timely way. Bans inducements for adoptions.
Senate floor amendment: Requires publishers to automatically include pricing in information materials, not only on request.
Requires textbook publishers to provide public higher education institutions with information on textbook price and availability on request. Require governing boards to encourage faculty to submit adoptions in a timely way. Bans inducements for adoptions.
Senate floor amendment: Requires publishers to automatically include pricing in information materials, not only on request.
Status of SB 1263: Introduced 2/14/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Education, 2/21/08. Committee recommended passage with amendment (clarified wording), 3/6/08. Senate floor amendment, 5/22/08. Passed Senate, 6/12/08. Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee, 6/12/08.
Status of AB 2547: Introduced 5/5/08. Referred to Assembly Committee on Higher Education.
New York
Assembly Bill 9595
Allows full-time college students (or parents/guardians) to take a personal income tax credit up to $1,000 for the purchase of required textbooks and laptop computers.
Allows full-time college students (or parents/guardians) to take a personal income tax credit up to $1,000 for the purchase of required textbooks and laptop computers.
Status: Introduced 1/9/08. Referred to Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
Assembly Bill 10268
Asks faculty to choose textbooks in a timely fashion, only adopt bundles if all components will be used, notify the bookstore if components won't be used, acknowledge the retail prices of chosen textbooks, and avoid using the newest editions. Requires stores to post booklists with ISBNs as soon as instructors provide adoption information.
Asks faculty to choose textbooks in a timely fashion, only adopt bundles if all components will be used, notify the bookstore if components won't be used, acknowledge the retail prices of chosen textbooks, and avoid using the newest editions. Requires stores to post booklists with ISBNs as soon as instructors provide adoption information.
Status: Introduced 3/12/08, referred to Assembly Committee on Higher Education.
Senate Bill 3063 and Assembly Bill 8167 (identical)
Requires textbook publishers to disclose wholesale prices on request. Mandates that textbooks must be sold in the same manner as ordered by faculty; if not available, the store must work with faculty and publishers to provide the closest substitute. Requires institutions to develop policies encouraging faculty to provide booklists with sufficient lead time to confirm availability. Prohibits employees from accepting compensation for adoptions; may still receive royalties, desk copies, and honoraria for academic peer reviews.
Requires textbook publishers to disclose wholesale prices on request. Mandates that textbooks must be sold in the same manner as ordered by faculty; if not available, the store must work with faculty and publishers to provide the closest substitute. Requires institutions to develop policies encouraging faculty to provide booklists with sufficient lead time to confirm availability. Prohibits employees from accepting compensation for adoptions; may still receive royalties, desk copies, and honoraria for academic peer reviews.
Status of SB 3063: Filed 2/21/07, referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education. Committee recommended passage, 3/21/07. Passed Senate, 3/30/07. Referred to Assembly Committee on Education, 3/30/07. Died in Assembly and returned to Senate, 1/9/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education, 1/9/08. Committee recommended passage, 5/14/08. Passed Senate, referred to Assembly Committee on Higher Education, 6/23/08. Substituted for AB 8167, passed Assembly, 6/23/08.
Status of AB 8167: Filed 5/7/07. Referred to Assembly Committee on Higher Education. Rereferred to committee, 1/9/08. Committee recommended passage, 5/28/08. Passed Assembly, 6/2/08. Referred to Senate Rules Committee, 6/2/08. Vote reconsidered, 6/16/08. Replaced by SB 3063, 6/23/08.
Senate Bill 151
Requires U.S. publishers desiring to sell textbooks to students at state institutions to post the following information on the web before books may be sold in any bookstore: price of book and any bundled components, modifications within the past 10 years and planned modifications, modifications to supplemental learning materials (whether bundled or separate) within the past 10 years and planned modifications, availability of alternative formats, and publisher's return policy. Prohibits bookstores from selling bundles unless components are offered separately. Prohibits stores from buying back used books at less than half the price at which the store plans to resell the book. Bans stores from selling any textbook or supplemental not listed on the publishers' web sites. Requires institutions to place at least two copies of each required textbook in campus libraries. Prohibits faculty from profiting from their own books if used for their classes. Requires board of regents to develop an electronic inquiry form for students, faculty, and others to use in requesting information from publishers. Requires regents to develop at least one pilot textbook rental project.
Requires U.S. publishers desiring to sell textbooks to students at state institutions to post the following information on the web before books may be sold in any bookstore: price of book and any bundled components, modifications within the past 10 years and planned modifications, modifications to supplemental learning materials (whether bundled or separate) within the past 10 years and planned modifications, availability of alternative formats, and publisher's return policy. Prohibits bookstores from selling bundles unless components are offered separately. Prohibits stores from buying back used books at less than half the price at which the store plans to resell the book. Bans stores from selling any textbook or supplemental not listed on the publishers' web sites. Requires institutions to place at least two copies of each required textbook in campus libraries. Prohibits faculty from profiting from their own books if used for their classes. Requires board of regents to develop an electronic inquiry form for students, faculty, and others to use in requesting information from publishers. Requires regents to develop at least one pilot textbook rental project.
Status: Filed 4/24/07. Referred to the Senate Education Committee. Hearing, 10/30/07.
House Bill 535
Requires the chancellor of the Board of Regents to appoint a five-member task force to study and make recommendations for implementing e-book programs at public institutions of higher education. The report is due April 2009 and the chancellor must implement recommendations by July 2009, including negotiating with publishers to create e-book versions of print texts.
Requires the chancellor of the Board of Regents to appoint a five-member task force to study and make recommendations for implementing e-book programs at public institutions of higher education. The report is due April 2009 and the chancellor must implement recommendations by July 2009, including negotiating with publishers to create e-book versions of print texts.
Status: Introduced 4/14/08. Referred to House Education Committee.
Oklahoma
The full text of Oklahoma bills can be accessed through the legislative information system on the legislature's home page.
Senate Bill 1738 and House Bill 2965 (identical)
Original bill: Allows local private booksellers to participate in student presentations or advertise in any campus media, if the institution's bookstore already has permission to use those venues for promotions.
House committee substitute: Omits permission for private booksellers. Requires schools to provide information at freshman orientation on options for purchasing textbooks. Requires publishers to inform faculty of textbooks' retail prices.
Original bill: Allows local private booksellers to participate in student presentations or advertise in any campus media, if the institution's bookstore already has permission to use those venues for promotions.
House committee substitute: Omits permission for private booksellers. Requires schools to provide information at freshman orientation on options for purchasing textbooks. Requires publishers to inform faculty of textbooks' retail prices.
Status of SB 1738: Prefiled 1/16/08. Referred to Senate Education Committee, 2/5/08. Committee recommended passage, 2/20/08. Passed Senate, 3/11/08. Referred to House Committee on Education, 3/13/08. Committee recommended passage of substitute, 4/14/08. Passed House, 4/22/08. Senate did not concur with substitute; conference committee appointed 5/8/08. Died in conference committee, 5/23/08.
Status of HB 2965: Prefiled 1/16/08. Referred to House Education Committee, 2/6/08.
House Bill 2493
Exempts college textbooks from sales taxes.
Exempts college textbooks from sales taxes.
Status: Prefiled 1/16/08. Referred to House Committee on Appropriations and Budget, 2/5/08. No action taken as of regular session adjournment, 5/23/08.
Pennsylvania
House Bill 2136
Requires publishers to disclose to faculty a list of all related products they sell, their prices, length of time each product is expected to remain on the market, and differences between editions. Publishers must respond to requests for information. As of January 2010, the outer cover of textbooks must summarize the major content differences with the prior edition. Encourages faculty to consider cost in choosing textbooks. Campus bookstores at public schools must post the retail pricing policy on the web or in the store. Institutions should encourage faculty to place adoptions early enough to ensure sufficient used copies. Faculty and stores are banned from selling review copies. Faculty may not accept inducements to adopt a particular book, but can still receive review copies, royalties, honoraria for peer review, and training in the use of course materials.
Requires publishers to disclose to faculty a list of all related products they sell, their prices, length of time each product is expected to remain on the market, and differences between editions. Publishers must respond to requests for information. As of January 2010, the outer cover of textbooks must summarize the major content differences with the prior edition. Encourages faculty to consider cost in choosing textbooks. Campus bookstores at public schools must post the retail pricing policy on the web or in the store. Institutions should encourage faculty to place adoptions early enough to ensure sufficient used copies. Faculty and stores are banned from selling review copies. Faculty may not accept inducements to adopt a particular book, but can still receive review copies, royalties, honoraria for peer review, and training in the use of course materials.
Status: Introduced 12/18/07, referred to House Committee on Education.
Rhode Island
Senate Bill 2451
Requires the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education to conduct a study on the cost of required textbooks for students attending public colleges and universities. The bill specifies that the study should examine pricing trends and strategies, textbook rental programs, policies for textbook selection and buyback, joint purchasing of textbooks at volume discounts, and bundles.
Requires the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education to conduct a study on the cost of required textbooks for students attending public colleges and universities. The bill specifies that the study should examine pricing trends and strategies, textbook rental programs, policies for textbook selection and buyback, joint purchasing of textbooks at volume discounts, and bundles.
Status: Introduced 2/13/08, referred to Senate Education Committee. Hearing, 4/9/08. Committee recommends holding for further study, 4/9/08.
Tennessee
Senate Bill 2543 and House Bill 2503 (identical)
Original bill: Waives sales taxes on materials bundled with tax-exempt textbooks and workbooks, if the materials cannot be purchased separately from the bundle.
Committee amendment: Specifies tax exemption only for CDs and DVDs in bundles.
Original bill: Waives sales taxes on materials bundled with tax-exempt textbooks and workbooks, if the materials cannot be purchased separately from the bundle.
Committee amendment: Specifies tax exemption only for CDs and DVDs in bundles.
Status of SB 2543: Introduced 1/8/08, referred to Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee. Subcommittee hearing, 4/8/08. Committee recommended passage with amendment, 4/15/08. Passed Senate, 4/29/08. No action taken as of regular session adjournment, 5/21/08.
Status of HB 2503: Filed for introduction, 1/9/08. Referred to House Finance, Ways and Means Committee, 1/14/08. No action taken as of regular session adjournment, 5/21/08.
House Bill 196
Exempts higher education textbooks from sales taxes. Full text of bill not yet available.
Exempts higher education textbooks from sales taxes. Full text of bill not yet available.
Status: Introduced by number, 2/1/08. No action taken, regular session adjourned, 3/5/08.
Virginia
House Bill 1326 and Senate Bill 392 (identical)
Original bill: Extends the current sales tax exemption for textbooks at nonprofit higher education institutions to for-profit schools.
Committee amendment: Bill does not take effect until July 1, 2010.
Original bill: Extends the current sales tax exemption for textbooks at nonprofit higher education institutions to for-profit schools.
Committee amendment: Bill does not take effect until July 1, 2010.
Final status: SB 392 signed into law as Chapter 569, 3/11/08.
History of HB 1326: Introduced 1/9/08, referred to House Committee on Finance.
History of SB 392: Introduced 1/9/08, referred to Senate Committee on Finance. Committee report favorable, 1/22/08. Passed Senate, 1/25/08. Referred to House Committee on Finance, 2/12/08. Committee recommended passage with amendment, 2/25/08. Passed House, 2/27/08. Signed by governor, 3/11/08.
Washington
House Bill 3047
Amends existing law to require bookstores to disclose textbook information including title, author, edition, price, and ISBN four weeks before the start of class.
Amends existing law to require bookstores to disclose textbook information including title, author, edition, price, and ISBN four weeks before the start of class.
Status: Introduced 1/21/08, referred to House Committee on Higher Education. Committee report favorable, 2/4/08. Passed House, 2/15/08. Referred to Senate Committee on Higher Education, 2/19/08. Hearing, 2/27/08. Returned to Rules Committee, legislature adjourned regular session, 3/13/08.
Wisconsin
Assembly Bill 883
Requires publishers to provide faculty with wholesale prices of textbooks and histories of revisions to each book. Custom books are not included.
Requires publishers to provide faculty with wholesale prices of textbooks and histories of revisions to each book. Custom books are not included.
Status: Introduced 2/26/08, referred to Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities. Failed to pass by deadline, 3/21/08.
Assembly Bill 884
Requires bookstores on the campuses of the University of Wisconsin System and the technical college district to allow students to purchase bundle components individually and to provide retail prices of course materials on a per-course basis. Requires stores to disclose how new textbook editions differ from previous ones, and to implement and promote buyback programs. Requires faculty and instructional staff to consider "the least costly option" in selecting course materials and to only assign bundles if they provide cost savings to students.
Requires bookstores on the campuses of the University of Wisconsin System and the technical college district to allow students to purchase bundle components individually and to provide retail prices of course materials on a per-course basis. Requires stores to disclose how new textbook editions differ from previous ones, and to implement and promote buyback programs. Requires faculty and instructional staff to consider "the least costly option" in selecting course materials and to only assign bundles if they provide cost savings to students.
Status: Introduced 2/26/08, referred to Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities. Failed to pass by deadline, 3/21/08.
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