Legislation would require ebook alternative to college textbooks

(Harrisburg) — Proposed legislation is aimed at reducing some of the cost of a college education. 

Western Pennsylvania Representative Robert Matzie says he will introduce a bill requiring publishers to offer a digital equivalent of any college textbook sold in Pennsylvania.

“I believe that post-secondary education should be made more affordable and this could be one step to do so by taking advantage of  innovations in information technology.  This is a bill that’s been around off and on over the course of the last ten years,” he said.

Matzie says an estimated 90 percent of college students have access to a laptop computer or mobile device, and along with the cost savings, his bill would also allow academic materials through devices most students already use.