MS HB174

Requires textbook publishers selling to Mississippi public colleges and universities to disclose in writing all textbook modifications from the past 10 years, prices of all formats, supplemental material prices, and bundled package prices to faculty members.

Mandates faculty consider least costly textbook practices, use materials longer when not outdated, work with bookstores on ordering processes, and provide written statements to college presidents detailing required and recommended course materials and earliest usable editions.

Requires bundled textbooks to be offered separately in equal quantities as the bundled version, and mandates bookstores provide textbook listings with ISBN numbers at student registration, available online or in-store.

Authorizes pilot textbook rental programs at individual campuses with student government approval and existing contract compatibility, requiring rental costs not exceed 33% of average retail purchase costs and self-sustainability after initial funding.

Requires campuses with pilot rental programs to report to their governing boards for minimum 4 years on student savings, system efficiency, and faculty satisfaction, with findings reported to legislative committees after the 4-year period.