BILL NUMBER: S3661

SPONSOR: GOUNARDES
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the education law, in relation to
reducing the cost of textbooks for students of institutions of higher
education

 
PURPOSE:

To authorize colleges and universities to seek more affordable textbook
options for students.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one of this bill amends the Education Law by adding a new
section 725. This new section authorizes institutions of higher educa-
tion to adopt policies that are in accordance with 34 CFR 668.164(c)(2)
to allow the use of innovative pricing techniques and payment options
for textbooks, supplemental materials, and other course materials.

Section two of this bill provides that this act shall take effect imme-
              

diately.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Alternatives to conventional textbooks - including digital learning
platforms and innovating pricing models consistent with 34 CFR
668.164(c)(2) - can help reduce the financial burden on students.
Digital versions of textbooks typically cost substantially less than the
print versions. Innovative pricing models can also be implemented where-
by an institution of higher education negotiates with a publisher for
digital instructional materials access for all students in a course or
courses, at lower prices than standard market rates.  Students pay for
their instructional materials as part of their tuition and fees, get
their resources by the first day of class, and may opt out. These inno-
vative pricing models also allow students to apply loans, grants, and
scholarships to textbook purchases.

These models are based on regulations issued by the U.S. Department of
Education (34 CFR 668.164(c)(2)) which allow students to use Title IV
federal student aid funds to obtain instructional materials as part of
tuition and fees.  In addition, digital learning programs can improve
student outcomes in that they adapt to the learning needs and pathways
of individual students, as well as enable professors to track student
performance and tailor instruction accordingly.

This bill will make clear to New York State institutions that they may
implement innovative pricing models in accordance with 34 CFR
668.164(c)(2)to make college instructional materials available to
students at below competitive market rates.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2018: S.6608 - Passed the Senate
2017: S.6608 - Referred to Rules

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.