Establish a Zero-Cost Textbook Program for Minnesota Public Schools and Colleges

 

The purpose of this bill is to reduce the financial burden of educational materials on Minnesota students and families

by establishing a Zero-Cost Textbook Program. This program will encourage the use of open educational resources (OER),

digital textbooks, and state-licensed free materials in all public high schools and state colleges.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MinnState) will oversee the

creation and distribution of these materials. Schools will receive grants to replace traditional, costly textbooks with

zero-cost or open-access alternatives.

 

Textbook prices have risen by more than 800% over the past few decades, creating barriers to learning and increasing

student debt. In Minnesota, the average college student spends between $1,000 and $1,200 annually on textbooks, while

many high school districts also struggle with outdated or unaffordable materials.

By switching to open educational resources, Minnesota can ensure equal access to updated, high-quality learning

materials regardless of income. Similar programs in other states have saved students millions of dollars. This bill

promotes educational equity, fiscal responsibility, and academic freedom for teachers and students alike.

 

Zero-Cost Textbook: Any educational resource that is freely available to students without additional fees, including

open educational resources (OER), digital materials, or publicly funded print copies.

Open Educational Resource (OER): Teaching, learning, or research materials that are in the public domain or licensed for

free use, adaptation, and distribution.

Participating Institutions: All Minnesota public high schools, state colleges, and universities within the Minnesota

State system.

Department: Refers to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

 

The Zero-Cost Textbook Program will be funded through a combination of:

1. a. Reallocation of existing education technology and curriculum development funds within the Minnesota Department of

Education budget.

b. A one-time $2 million appropriation from the state’s general fund to create the initial textbook repository and grant

pool.

c. Optional partnerships with private educational foundations and nonprofit organizations supporting OER development.

2. Schools applying for grants must submit a proposal outlining their transition plan to zero-cost materials and

expected savings.

 

1. The Minnesota Department of Education will oversee compliance through annual reporting from participating schools.

2. Schools that misuse grant funds or fail to demonstrate a plan for implementing zero-cost materials within three years

of receiving funding will be required to return unspent funds and may be ineligible for future program grants.

 

This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026, to allow time for the Department of Education and participating institutions

to develop, review, and adopt zero-cost textbook materials for the 2026–2027 academic year.