Bill > S740

This bill aims to reduce college textbook costs and improve textbook price transparency through several key provisions. It establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Education to support the development and adoption of open educational resources (free, publicly accessible educational materials) at institutions of higher education. Eligible entities like colleges and state consortia can apply for grants to create, adapt, and promote open textbooks, with special consideration given to projects that can achieve the highest student savings and produce high-quality, widely-usable resources. The bill requires grant recipients to make their developed materials freely available online in accessible digital formats and to provide attribution to creators. Additionally, the bill amends the Higher Education Act to require colleges to disclose more detailed textbook information on course schedules, including pricing, International Standard Book Numbers, and whether materials are open educational resources. The legislation also mandates that a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report be prepared within three years to examine textbook costs, open textbook implementation, and the impact on student learning. The bill reflects a congressional recognition that high textbook costs are a significant barrier to higher education and seeks to leverage technology and open-source principles to make educational materials more affordable and accessible.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/740/all-info