Bill to make textbooks and digital devices free in basic education

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would recognize the right to free textbooks, digital devices, curriculum materials and Internet access for students in vulnerable situations in Primary Education, compulsory secondary education and basic vocational training at publicly funded schools, including special education schools.
2. Free textbooks, devices and materials would be provided through a loan system. Its principles include fostering respect and solidarity, creating more effective learning environments and promoting responsible use of goods.
3. The School Councils of the autonomous communities would monitor the loan system and publish a report at the end of each school year on beneficiaries and materials purchased.
4. The autonomous communities could extend free materials to non-compulsory stages such as preschool, Bachillerato or mid and higher-level vocational training, and the needs of special education centers would be addressed.
5. The Alta Inspección Educativa would oversee the enjoyment of this right and the operation of the loan system, and public administrations could create aid programs for non-reusable school supplies and digital book supports.
6. The bill would amend the education organic laws to include these rights. The materials would belong to the education administration, textbook editions could not be replaced for at least four school years, and the State and autonomous communities would co-finance Internet access.

Who it affects

• Students in vulnerable situations in primary, compulsory secondary and basic vocational education: Would get free textbooks, digital devices, curriculum materials and Internet access through a loan system.
• Families: Would no longer pay each year for their children's textbooks and curriculum materials.
• Publicly funded schools: Would manage the loan system and choose textbooks, which could not be replaced for at least four school years.
• Autonomous communities: Would finance and develop the system and could extend free materials to other education stages.
• Private grant-funded schools (centros concertados): Could join the loan system and would adapt their governing bodies to the law.

Words worth knowing

Centros sostenidos con fondos públicos

Schools funded with public money, including public schools and grant-funded schools.

Centros concertados

Private schools that receive public money in exchange for offering free school places.

Material curricular

Teaching resources needed for each subject, in any format, including materials required from students.

Proposición de ley

A bill introduced by a parliamentary group; it is not an approved law until it passes the legislative process.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries