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A 7442

Extends certain provisions of law relating to publishers or manufacturers providing printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eddie Gibbs and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 7442 ensures college students with disabilities receive accessible instructional materials, requiring publishers to provide formats like Braille and digital options.

SIGNED CHAP.231
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Bill Summary · A 7442

Summary of Bill A 7442

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 7442
  • Title: Extends certain provisions of law relating to publishers or manufacturers providing printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities
  • Status: Signed into law as Chapter 231
  • Introduced: March 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 7442 aims to enhance accessibility for college students with disabilities by extending existing provisions that require publishers and manufacturers to provide printed instructional materials in formats that are accessible to these students. The intent is to ensure that all students, regardless of their disabilities, have equal access to educational resources.

Key Provisions

  • Extension of Provisions: The bill extends the current requirements for publishers and manufacturers to supply instructional materials in accessible formats, ensuring compliance with disability rights laws.
  • Accessibility Standards: It mandates that materials must meet specific accessibility standards, which may include formats such as Braille, large print, or digital formats compatible with assistive technologies.
  • Implementation Timeline: The bill outlines a timeline for the implementation of these provisions, ensuring that educational institutions and publishers have adequate time to comply.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students with Disabilities: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are college students with disabilities who require accessible instructional materials to succeed in their academic pursuits.
  • Publishers and Manufacturers: This bill places additional responsibilities on publishers and manufacturers of educational materials, requiring them to adapt their products to meet accessibility standards.
  • Higher Education Institutions: Colleges and universities will need to ensure that they are sourcing materials from compliant publishers and providing necessary support to students with disabilities.

Legislative Process and Timeline

  • March 27, 2025: Bill A 7442 was introduced and referred to the Higher Education Committee.
  • April 2, 2025: The bill was reported out of committee.
  • April 3, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • April 4, 2025: Passed in the Assembly.
  • June 4, 2025: The bill was substituted for companion bill S 7702, passed in the Senate, and returned to the Assembly.
  • August 4, 2025: Delivered to the Governor.
  • August 7, 2025: Signed into law as Chapter 231.

Conclusion

Bill A 7442 represents a significant step towards improving educational accessibility for college students with disabilities. By extending existing provisions for accessible instructional materials, the bill aims to foster an inclusive learning environment that accommodates the needs of all students.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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