Committee backs bill to increase parental access to digital curriculum materials

Senate Bill 81, which would require school districts to provide free online and in-person access to adopted instructional materials and limit mandatory online disclosure to materials adopted under RS 17:35.1, was reported favorably by the House Education Committee on May 20, 2025.

The measure, carried in the House by Senator Richie Edmonds, is designed "to keep costs down for parents by providing free online and in person viewing options and requiring only the reasonable fees for the requested, paper copies," Edmonds said as he introduced the bill. He told the committee the bill "prioritizes transparency regarding the core additional content." Dr. Sabre Kingham, the governor’s education policy advisor for K–12 and higher education, told the committee “we're here today because this bill has a very big educational impact, which is a positive potential for increased parental engagement and transparency.”

Supporters told the panel many districts already maintain online curriculum databases and that the bill would formalize access while limiting new state spending. Representative Brett Freiberg said most systems "do have online databases right now or curriculum online" and called the measure "timely and important," noting the fiscal note did not show state expenditures. The bill sponsor said districts may incur some costs but the bill does not use state money.

A spokesperson from the governor’s office and representatives of education organizations and local school officials submitted support cards; several indicated support without speaking. No formal opposition was recorded during the committee hearing. Representative Beryl Amadee moved to report the bill favorably; there were no objections and the committee approved the motion.

The bill limits mandatory online access to material adopted under RS 17:35.1 and authorizes only reasonable fees for paper copies. Supporters said the measure is intended to increase parental confidence in curriculum, teachers and system transparency. The committee’s favorable report advances the bill to the next legislative step.

Details not specified in the hearing included whether the bill would require a statewide standard for how districts present materials online and how districts would verify compliance; proponents said those operational questions are for administrative rule-making or later drafting.

Senate Bill 81 will proceed with a favorable committee report; further hearings and amendments are possible as the bill moves through the House.