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H 5340

Resolve providing for an investigation and study by a special commission relative to the consumer impacts of electronic textbooks

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 13 co-sponsors

A temporary commission will study how electronic textbooks affect students and access, analyze pricing and contract terms, and recommend policy or legislative actions by 2028.

Discharged to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · H 5340

Summary: H 5340 (Session 194th) — Resolve for Investigation and Study on Consumer Impacts of Electronic Textbooks (Massachusetts)

Purpose of the Bill

  • Establish a special commission to investigate and study the consumer impacts of electronic textbooks.
  • Goals include identifying benefits and disadvantages for student consumers and evaluating how electronic textbook contracts affect consumer access and choice.

Key Provisions and Topics the Commission Will Examine

  1. Benefits and disadvantages of electronic textbooks to student consumers.
  2. Methods used to determine pricing, resale, content sharing (including single-user limited access), and rental of electronic textbooks.
  3. Evaluation of consumer alternatives, including print materials.
  4. How electronic textbook contracts with institutions influence consumer access and the clarity of those contracts.
  5. Effects of participation quotas, institutional incentives, reimbursements, and other methods used in electronic textbook contracts.
  6. Review of findings from recent studies and reports on affordable access programs for course materials.

Commission Composition

  • Chair: The Commissioner of Higher Education or a designee with expertise in electronic and open educational resources.
  • 12 additional members appointed by the Governor, including:
    • A student advocacy representative.
    • Library representatives from Massachusetts public universities, community colleges, and state universities with experience in electronic textbooks and open educational resources.
    • Faculty members from public universities, community colleges, and state universities with experience using electronic textbooks or open educational resources.
    • Industry and trade representatives:
    • A design professional from the electronic textbook industry.
    • A marketing professional from a global education publishing or technology company.
    • A representative of a national association representing the higher education textbook publishing industry.
    • A representative from a national association representing higher education bookstores in Massachusetts.
    • A representative from a higher education-based financial aid office or basic needs office knowledgeable about college affordability and student financial challenges.
    • 1 member from the Massachusetts House of Representatives (appointed by the Speaker).
    • 1 member from the Massachusetts Senate (appointed by the Senate President).

Timeline and Procedures

  • First meeting: No later than 90 days after the resolve’s enactment.
  • Meeting frequency: As needed to complete the study.
  • Reporting: The commission must deliver a report with findings, recommendations, and drafts of proposed legislation or regulations to the clerks of the House and Senate, the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and the Joint Committee on Higher Education no later than December 31, 2028.

State Government Context

  • This is a joint resolve seeking the formation of a temporary, expert-driven commission to study a specific sector (electronic textbooks) and propose policy or regulatory actions.
  • The measure does not itself require immediate policy changes but directs a comprehensive review and recommendations, potentially leading to further legislation or agency action.

Potential Impacts

  • Students: Clarified understanding of costs, access, and contract terms for electronic textbooks; consideration of affordable access options and print alternatives.
  • Higher education institutions: Insight into pricing models, contract terms, and incentives that affect student access and affordability.
  • Publishers and vendors: Opportunity to influence policy discussions around pricing, access models, and content sharing restrictions.
  • Policymakers: A detailed, data-driven basis for potential consumer protection or higher-education-related regulatory changes.

Summary

H 5340 proposes creating a 14-member (plus the director of higher education as chair) multi-stakeholder commission to thoroughly examine how electronic textbooks affect students and institutions in Massachusetts. The commission will analyze pricing, access, contract terms, competition between electronic and print formats, and affordability programs, culminating in a report with concrete recommendations and potential draft legislation or regulations by end of 2028.

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

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