BRADENTON, Fla. - The Alabama Senate passed a bill March 6 that would authorize $100 million of bonds to finance computer equipment, software, and digital textbooks for the state's public school teachers and children.
The bill sponsor, Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, said digital textbooks are less expensive than paper, and the cost savings is expected to cover the expense of issuing the 20-year debt, according to published reports.
The Alabama Public School and College Authority would be authorized to sell the bonds, though school district participation in the electronic conversion program is voluntary.
Districts must contribute up to 25% of the cost for the program unless the State Department of Education waives or reduces the percentage.
The bill now goes to the House, where a similar measure died last year.
