IL HB0332

Creates the College Course Materials Affordability and Equitable Access Task Force within the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to study textbook affordability and first-day-of-class access to course materials.

Task Force membership includes 4 legislators (appointed by Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, House Speaker, and House Minority Leader), 4 public members, 4 higher education representatives, and 11 members appointed by the Governor representing various stakeholder groups including publishers, faculty, students, and digital content providers.

Task Force shall conduct a study examining cost-saving methods used by institutions in Illinois and nationwide, including inclusive access programs, textbook subscriptions, rentals, used textbooks, and open educational resources.

Initial report due October 1, 2022, with public comment period until February 1, 2023, and final report due March 31, 2023; report must analyze cost savings, equitable access, impacts on academic freedom, and effects on minority, low-income, and first-generation students.

Task Force dissolves March 31, 2024, and the Act is repealed March 31, 2025.