MS HB158

Requires textbook publishers to disclose in writing to faculty all textbook modifications from the last ten years, prices of textbooks and supplemental materials, and total bundled package prices when offering materials to Mississippi public colleges and universities.

Mandates faculty consider least costly textbook practices consistent with educational quality, work with bookstores on ordering processes, disclose textbook costs to students, and provide written statements to college presidents detailing required and recommended course materials and earliest usable editions.

Requires bundled textbooks to also be available for separate unbundled purchase in equal initial quantities, unless faculty and bookstore jointly determine disproportionate demand for one format.

Authorizes pilot textbook rental programs on individual campuses upon student government approval and existing contract compatibility, with rental costs capped at 33% of average annual retail textbook costs and programs self-sustaining after initial start-up funding.

Requires bookstores to make textbook listings with ISBNs available online or in-store at student registration and mandates colleges establish policies to provide financial aid credit for required textbook and supply purchases.