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House approves bill expanding textbook commission review and allowing limited local substitute use
Summary
The House passed Senate Bill 7 with an amendment that lets three or more school districts use substitute instructional materials not on the commission's approved list; the measure also extends the State Instructional Materials Commission's scope and 10‑year term.
Representative Allen, sponsor of Senate Bill 7, told the House the measure renames and expands the State Textbook Commission to the State Instructional Materials Commission and broadens its review beyond textbooks to include workbooks, computer software, laser discs, video discs and other instructional media.
During floor debate representatives raised concerns about local control and safeguards preventing a single district from bypassing the commission; Representative Yerde proposed an amendment to allow three school districts ("3 or more") to agree to use substitute materials as a check and balance. Allen supported the clarified language and the House adopted the amendment.
The clerk later announced the final recorded vote: SB7 as amended received 65 yes votes and 7 no votes and passes the House. The bill will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.
The floor exchange focused on: who may opt to use substitute materials; the addition of digital and non‑textbook media to the commission's purview; and the commission's extension to July 1, 2011. Representative Allen said the change recognizes modern instructional formats and provides site‑based management flexibility under rule‑making by the State Board of Education.
Next steps: SB7 passed the House and was returned to the Senate.
