SB 21-215 Summary

• Expands the Open Educational Resources (OER) grant program at Colorado public institutions of higher education to support creating and using free or low-cost course materials and degree programs.

• Adds "zero-textbook-cost degree programs" as a new grant category, with priority given to high-demand industry credentials and high-enrollment programs in information technology, health care, and business.

• Requires public institutions to inform students about OER courses prior to registration (by fall 2021) and at the point of registration (by fall 2025).

• Appropriates $1,108,200 to the Department of Higher Education for fiscal year 2021-22 to implement OER initiatives and prepare annual reporting on program implementation and student savings.

• Extends the sunset date of the OER program from November 1, 2021 to November 1, 2026, and transfers annual reporting responsibilities from the council to the Department of Higher Education.