Bill > S06208

This bill, known as the Free Resources for Equitable Education (FREE) Act, requires State University of New York (SUNY) higher education institutions to make textbooks more affordable by mandating that all general education courses and 25 percent of major-specific courses be designated as either low textbook cost (LTC) or zero textbook cost (ZTC). LTC means required textbooks cost no more than $40, while ZTC means no textbook purchase is necessary. The bill defines key terms such as general education courses (non-major-specific prerequisites) and major-specific courses (classes directly related to a student's field of study). Institutions must clearly display these textbook cost designations in course materials and enrollment systems, and if a course's designation changes, students can switch courses or drop the class without penalty. Importantly, the bill prohibits institutions from offsetting the cost of providing low-cost or free textbooks by increasing tuition, fees, or textbook requirements in other courses. The legislation aims to reduce the financial burden of textbooks on students and make higher education more accessible.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6208