HB 2300

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 2300

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.

Brief Description: Concerning college textbooks.

Sponsors: Representatives Hasegawa, Jarrett, Wallace, B. Sullivan, Kenney, Hunter, Goodman, Dunshee, Chase, Ormsby, Kelley, Simpson and Blake.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires publishers of college textbooks to inform faculty members of the price of products and any revisions made to the products.

Hearing Date: 2/27/07

Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7111).

Background:

Legislation enacted in 2006, required the governing boards of the state universities, the regional universities, and The Evergreen State College to work with affiliated bookstores, students, and faculty representatives to adopt rules requiring that affiliated bookstores:

provide students the option of purchasing unbundled materials when possible;
disclose the costs of the materials;
disclose how new editions vary from previous editions; and
actively promote and publicize book buy-back programs.

The legislation also required the boards to adopt rules requiring faculty and staff members to consider the least costly practices in assigning course materials when educational content is comparable.

Summary of Bill:

When a higher education faculty member either requests information on purchasing educational products or is sent marketing materials, textbook publishers must disclose the intended price of their products at the on-campus bookstore. The publisher must also disclose the history of revisions to the products.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.