Concerning the continuation of open educational resources policies, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.
Summary
HB26-1016 continues Colorado’s open educational resources (OER) policy framework for higher education. It extends the repeal date of the OER grant program and the Colorado Open Educational Resources Council from November 1, 2026, to November 1, 2031, and extends the annual reporting requirement on OER implementation and development through December 31, 2031. The bill also updates the reporting language to emphasize the share of courses that are “zero textbook cost” for students, reflecting a focus on reducing student textbook expenses.
The bill expands the council from 12 to 15 members and adjusts several categories of representation within the council, including more library professionals, instructional design experts, academic technologists, and administrators. It also appropriates $500,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026-27 to the Department of Higher Education for OER initiatives, with an assumed additional 1.0 FTE to support implementation.
Impact
The bill amends Colorado statutes governing the Department of Higher Education’s OER reporting duties and the structure and sunset date of the Colorado Open Educational Resources Council. It extends the life of article 4.5 in title 23, keeps the annual OER report in place for five more years, and authorizes a new general fund appropriation for OER-related work. Its practical effect is to continue state support for affordable course materials in public higher education and to maintain oversight of progress toward zero-textbook-cost coursework.
Sentiment
The available record suggests broad support and little visible controversy. The bill passed through the education committees and was ultimately signed by the Governor, indicating a generally favorable view of continuing OER policies and funding. The absence of recorded votes or committee transcript objections suggests the measure was not highly contentious in the available materials.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or vote history. Potential areas of policy debate, based on the bill text, could include the size of the general fund appropriation, the expansion of the council’s membership, and the continued state commitment to OER initiatives versus other higher education priorities. However, the record provided does not show any named opponents or formal disputes.