The bill aims to reduce the cost of attending college by promoting the use of Open Educational Resources (OER), which are teaching, learning, and research materials available at no cost or with limited restrictions. It amends existing laws to establish the Open Educational Resource Trust Fund, which will support the development and distribution of OER for university and early college course materials. The fund will be administered by the commissioner of higher education and will receive revenue from appropriations, private donations, and interest earned. The bill also outlines the purposes for which the fund can be used, including the development of free curricular materials, professional development for educators, and a competitive grant program to support OER initiatives.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a pilot program to provide no-cost digital textbooks and commercial digital learning materials to improve student outcomes and reduce costs. The commissioner of higher education is required to ensure that the pilot program meets specific criteria aimed at maximizing savings and quality for students. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for annual reporting on the activities of the Open Educational Resource Trust Fund, detailing the sources and amounts of funds received, expenditures, and the impact on students. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance college affordability and accessibility through the strategic use of open educational resources.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 15A-10