HB 3183
Appropriates moneys to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for purposes of the Open Educational Resources Program.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon)
Committee
Ways and Means
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
98%
Oppose
2%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill provides funding to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) for the Open Educational Resources (OER) Program. The OER Program aims to reduce the cost of textbooks and course materials for students in Oregon’s higher education system. The bill specifically allocates $4.5 million from the state’s general fund to support this program. An emergency declaration allows the bill to take effect immediately upon Governor’s signature.
Key provisions
- Allocates $4,500,000 to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
- Funds the Open Educational Resources Program.
- The program supports efforts to reduce the cost of educational materials.
- The funding is for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025.
Who is affected
- Students in Oregon’s higher education system
- Higher Education Coordinating Commission
- Oregon’s public colleges and universities
Notable changes
- Establishes a specific funding allocation for the OER Program.
- Declares an emergency, allowing for immediate implementation.
Fiscal impact
The bill appropriates $4,500,000 from the General Fund.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3182 and HB 3183 advocate for investments in student basic needs initiatives, affordable housing, and textbook affordability to alleviate financial burdens on Oregon college students. They emphasize the need to address food insecurity, housing costs, and textbook expenses that hinder academic success and economic mobility. Proponents argue that these programs will make a tangible difference by providing essential resources, improving learning outcomes, and promoting accessibility. Many testifiers share personal experiences with struggling to meet basic needs, highlighting the critical need for targeted support to ensure student success and workforce readiness.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Several ed concerns that the proposed allocation of $4,500,000 from the General Fund to support the Open Educational Resources Program is unnecessary and could be better spent elsewhere. They argue that the Higher Education Coordinating Commission's role in overseeing this program is not clearly defined and that using public funds for a specific initiative may not be the most effective use of taxpayer dollars. Additionally, some testifiers questioned the commission's authority to make decisions about how to allocate state funding, suggesting that it may be overstepping its bounds.
Source: Testimony Summaries