Bill Text: TX HB926 | 2015-2016 | 84th Legislature | Introduced

Texas House Bill 926 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating to a study and report regarding the use of open-source instructional materials at public institutions of higher education.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-04-22 - Left pending in committee [HB926 Detail]

Download: Texas-2015-HB926-Introduced.html

	84R3839 KJE-D

	By: Canales	H.B. No. 926



	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to a study and report regarding the use of open-source
	instructional materials at public institutions of higher
	education.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 61, Education Code, is
	amended by adding Section 61.0666 to read as follows:
	Sec. 61.0666. STUDY ON USE OF OPEN-SOURCE INSTRUCTIONAL
	MATERIALS. (a) In this section, "open-source instructional
	material" means electronic instructional material that is
	available for downloading from the Internet at no charge to a
	student and without requiring the purchase of an unlock code,
	membership, or other access or use charge, except for a charge to
	order an optional printed copy of all or part of the instructional
	material.
	(b) The board shall conduct a study regarding the use of
	open-source instructional materials at institutions of higher
	education. The study must include:
	(1) an analysis of any impact that the use of
	open-source instructional materials has on the cost of other
	instructional materials;
	(2) any difference in the quality of content or effect
	on the learning process between open-source instructional
	materials and other instructional materials; and
	(3) an evaluation of information from other states
	that have implemented the use of open-source instructional
	materials at similar institutions regarding:
	(A) the benefits realized and costs incurred from
	the use of those materials; and
	(B) best practices for the use of those
	materials.
	(c) Not later than September 1, 2016, the board shall submit
	to each legislative standing committee with primary jurisdiction
	over higher education the results of its study under this section
	and recommendations for legislative or other action.
	(d) This section expires September 1, 2017.
	SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
	a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
	provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
	Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
	Act takes effect September 1, 2015.