Bill > HB6

This bill fundamentally updates Texas education law by replacing the term "textbooks" with "instructional materials" throughout various sections of the Education Code, broadening the scope to include a wider range of educational resources beyond traditional books, such as digital content, software, and other media. It establishes a new "instructional materials allotment" for school districts, which is an annual allocation of funds per student to be used for purchasing these materials and necessary technological equipment, with specific guidelines on how these funds must be prioritized. The bill also revises the adoption and review process for instructional materials, adjusts the frequency of reviews for foundation curriculum subjects, and allows for mid-cycle adoptions. Furthermore, it clarifies the definition of "instructional material" to encompass various formats and introduces provisions for open-source instructional materials, aiming to provide more flexibility and potentially reduce costs. The bill also addresses the handling, sale, and disposal of instructional materials and technological equipment, and modifies rules regarding political contributions from those involved in the instructional materials business. Finally, it makes changes to the foundation curriculum to include economics with an emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits.