The purpose and effect of this rule change is to delete language related to the textbook affordability workgroup and add language to align with the requirements outlined in Section 1004.085, Florida Statutes.

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:
6A-14.092: Textbook Affordability
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rule change is to delete language related to the textbook affordability workgroup and add language to align with the requirements outlined in Section 1004.085, Florida Statutes.
SUMMARY: This rule outlines textbook adoption instructions and textbook affordability policies for the Florida College System, as authorized by Section 1004.085, Florida Statutes.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:
The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: 1) no requirement for SERC was triggered under section 120.541(1), Florida Statutes, and; 2) because the rule requires only that the state colleges address the availability of textbooks to students who are unable to afford them, but does not impose a particular remedy or obligation, there are no costs to the regulated entity and no adverse economic impact on any party. Similarly, the intent of the proposed rule is to assist students by making textbooks more accessible, which would have only positive economic impact; therefore, the adverse impact or regulatory cost, if any, do not exceed nor would be expected to exceed any one of the economic analysis criteria set forth in Section 120.541(1), Florida Statutes.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1001.02, 1004.085 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1004.085 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: February 18, 2013, 10:30 a.m.
PLACE: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, 8511 Commodity Circle, Suite 100, Orlando, FL
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Julie Alexander, Division of Florida Colleges, Florida Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida, [phone], [e-mail].

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-14.092 Textbook Affordability.

Pursuant to Section 1004.085, F.S., institutions within the Florida College System shall:

(1) - (3) No change.

(4) Establish a policy addressing the availability of required textbooks to students otherwise unable to afford the cost, including consideration of the extent to which an open-access textbook may be used Provide assistance as requested by the statewide textbook affordability workgroup established by the Department of Education to recommend policies and strategies that address the availability of required textbooks to students otherwise unable to afford the cost. The workgroup shall consist of nine representatives from institutions within the Florida College System chosen based on variable student enrollment (small and large student populations), geographic location (north, central and south) and economic status of student body (high population receiving need-based financial aid). A report shall be submitted by the workgroup to the State Board of Education by December 1, 2009, that identifies the policies.

(5) Encourage course instructors and academic departments to participate in the development, adaptation, and review of open-access textbooks and, in particular, open-access textbooks for high demand general education courses.

Rulemaking Specific Authority 1004.085(3), (4) FS. Law Implemented 1004.085 FS. History–New 2-25-09,             .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Randy Hanna, Chancellor, Division of Florida Colleges
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Pam Stewart, Commissioner, Department of Education
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: January 10, 2013
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 6, 2012