SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6077
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Higher Education, February 22, 2007
Title: An act relating to college textbooks.
Brief Description: Concerning college textbooks.
Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Delvin, Shin, Sheldon, Hatfield, Hobbs, Keiser, Murray, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Tom and Weinstein.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/22/07 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6077 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Schoesler and Sheldon.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: In 2006, the Legislature passed legislation requiring the boards of regents and trustees of the state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College to work with affiliated bookstores, students, and faculty representatives to adopt rules for affiliated bookstores and directed faculty to consider price when assigning course materials.
Summary of Bill: Upon the request of a prospective purchaser who is a faculty member at an institution of higher education, textbook publishers must disclose the intended price of their products at the on-campus bookstore. The history of revisions must also be disclosed upon request.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Higher Education): The bookstore does not have to be on-campus. The publisher must disclose the information upon request of a faculty member, even if the person did not purchase the book.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is the next step in providing transparency in textbook pricing policies. This will give faculty the information they need to make informed textbook decisions.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kilmer, prime sponsor; Bryce McKibben, Associated Students of the University of Washington; Heather Alpers, WashPIRG; Sara Singleton, Council of Faculty Representatives.