Bill > HB926

This bill mandates that the board of higher education in Texas conduct a study on the use of "open-source instructional materials," which are defined as free electronic learning materials available online without requiring students to buy unlock codes or memberships, though optional printed copies may be purchased. The study will analyze how these free materials affect the cost of other educational resources, compare their quality and impact on learning to traditional materials, and examine experiences from other states that have adopted similar resources, including their benefits, costs, and best practices. The board is required to submit the findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees by September 1, 2016, and this section of the law will expire on September 1, 2017.