CS/CS/HB 355 - Textbook and Instructional Materials Affordability

• Defines "instructional materials" as educational materials for courses available in printed or digital format and prohibits employees from demanding payment in exchange for requiring specific textbooks or materials.

• Requires Florida College System institutions and state universities to post textbook information (ISBN, title, authors, prices) at least 30 days before student registration for at least 90 percent of courses offered.

• Mandates State Board of Education and Board of Governors to adopt affordability policies requiring undergraduate textbooks to remain in use for minimum 3 years unless lower-cost alternatives exist, with exceptions approved by institutional presidents.

• Requires annual reporting to chancellors on textbook costs, adoption cycles, cost-reduction initiatives, and posting deadline compliance, with compiled reports submitted to Governor and Legislature by December 31.

• Directs Governor to appoint task force by January 1, 2015 to research cost-reduction options including bulk e-textbook purchasing, open-access materials, rental options, and online resale portals.