Title: An act relating to college textbooks.

Brief Description: Concerning college textbooks.

Sponsors: House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Hasegawa, Jarrett, Wallace, B. Sullivan, Kenney, Hunter, Goodman, Dunshee, Chase, Ormsby, Kelley, Simpson and Blake).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/12/07, 93-4.

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 3/19/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey and Schoesler.

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 to direct faculty to consider price when assigning course materials.

Summary of Substitute Bill: When presenting marketing materials to a faculty member of an institution of higher education, college textbook publishers must disclose the intended price of their products at the bookstore run by or in a contractual relationship with that institution. The publisher must also disclose the history of revisions to the products.

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 good policy and there is no cost to the state. It helps provide more information to faculty who are presently required to consider price when making textbook decisions.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hasegawa, prime sponsor; Bryce McKibben, Washington Student Lobby; Phil Jack, AFT-Washington.