HB 3949
Prescribes requirements related to contracts entered into between the State Board of Education and a publisher of textbooks and instructional materials.
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0%
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100%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill changes the requirements for contracts between the Oregon State Board of Education and textbook publishers. It mandates that publishers offer textbooks in various formats (electronic, direct shipping, and statewide networks), ensure accessibility and compatibility for all school districts, and provide an annual report on distribution methods. The bill also includes provisions for financial security through bonds or letters of credit to protect the Common School Fund.
Key provisions
- Requires publishers to offer textbooks in electronic and digital formats.
- Mandates direct shipping options to schools and districts.
- Requires partnerships with statewide distribution networks.
- Ensures textbooks are accessible and compatible with school technologies.
- Establishes fair and consistent pricing for digital textbooks.
- Requires publishers to provide an annual distribution report.
- Requires the State Board of Education to secure a bond or letter of credit from publishers.
- Allows the board to rescind contracts for non-compliance or price gouging.
Who is affected
- Oregon State Board of Education
- Textbook Publishers
- School Districts
- Students
- Oregon taxpayers (through the Common School Fund)
Notable changes
- Expands the methods of textbook distribution to include electronic and digital formats.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Rep Neron
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Several HB3949, citing concerns about the inclusion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in school textbooks. They argue that the State Board of Education and local school districts are not equipped to select suitable reading material for students due to concerns over explicit content, particularly in DEI programs. These that the current approach may lead to the introduction of materials that are not age-appropriate or align with parental values, potentially undermining the educational goals of the state's curriculum. They advocate for a more cautious and community-driven approach to selecting textbooks, prioritizing the needs and concerns of local parents and educators.
Source: Testimony Summaries