MA H559

Establishes a special commission to study consumer impacts of electronic textbooks on students, including benefits, disadvantages, pricing methods, and restrictions on resale, sharing, and renting

Commission will examine how electronic textbook contracts limit consumer choice, evaluate transparency of cost and savings information, and assess impacts of participation quotas and institutional incentives

12-member commission includes the Commissioner of Higher Education (chair), library representatives and faculty from public universities, community colleges, and state universities, plus a student advocate, industry representative, financial aid expert, and one legislator each from the House and Senate

Commissioners must be appointed within 30 days of enactment, with the first meeting held within 45 days; all meetings must be open to the public with notes made available

Final report with recommendations and draft legislation due within 18 months to the clerks of both chambers and chairs of the consumer protection and higher education committees; commission dissolves 30 days after report submission unless extended by two-thirds vote