(a) It is the duty of the commission to prepare a list of standard editions of textbooks and instructional materials that cover a complete program of study for approval by the state board of education for use in the public schools of the state. The commission shall prepare a list of at least four (4) books or sets of instructional materials in each subject and grade for which textbooks or instructional materials are to be adopted, if four (4) or more textbooks or sets of instructional materials in that subject or grade are available and of sufficient merit to warrant being listed. The list shall be published in accordance with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the state publications committee. The proposed textbook and instructional materials list shall also be posted on the web site of the department of education.

(b)

(1) The commission has the authority to recommend to the state board of education which textbooks and instructional materials may be added to the list for adoption.

(2) The commission shall only recommend textbooks and instructional materials that comply with and reflect the values expressed in § 49-6-1028(b), if the textbook or instructional materials are being considered for adoption as a textbook or instructional materials for education of students in general studies and specifically in United States history and this nation's republican form of government.

(3) Nothing in this part shall prohibit the use of or apply to supplemental instructional materials.

(4) In recommending textbooks and instructional materials for use in social studies, Tennessee history, American history or any related subject, the commission shall strive to recommend textbooks and instructional materials that accurately and comprehensively portray the full range of diversity and achievement of racial and ethnic minorities as well as the role and importance of religion in history.

(c) A publisher submitting a textbook or instructional materials for possible approval shall execute an agreement:

(1) Ensuring the book's or the materials' accuracy;

(2) Certifying that the textbook or the instructional materials have been thoroughly examined and reviewed by qualified content experts for factual accuracy. The publisher shall also list the professional credentials for at least three (3) content review experts who have thoroughly examined the textbook or instructional materials for content accuracy;

(3) Certifying that the textbook or instructional materials have been thoroughly examined and reviewed by qualified editors for typographical errors and errors in grammar, written expression, spelling, formatting and other substantive elements that may affect student learning; and

(4) Agreeing to correct all factual and editing errors found in a textbook or instructional materials, at the publisher's expense. The publisher shall submit a corrective action plan to the department, for review and approval by the state board, within thirty (30) days of the department's notification of the existence of errors in the textbook or instructional materials.

(d) The commission shall not proceed with undue haste to accomplish the work of the commission, but, with the assistance of the state board and the department, shall establish appropriate deadlines for the review of textbooks and instructional materials by advisory panels and for its own review of textbooks and instructional materials. Upon the appropriate approval of the state board, the commission shall publish the list of textbooks and instructional materials that may be adopted by local boards of education for use in the schools of this state. The list shall contain the title of the textbooks and instructional materials listed for adoption, the names of the publishers and the prices at which the books and materials are available, as provided for in this chapter.

(e) As used in this part or elsewhere in this title, “textbook” or “textbooks” includes “electronic textbook” or “electronic textbooks,” which means computer software, interactive videodisc, magnetic media, CD-ROM, computer courseware, local and remote computer assisted instruction, online service, electronic medium or other means of conveying information to the student or otherwise contributing to the learning process through electronic means. Electronic textbooks may be recommended, adopted and purchased in the same fashion as provided for textbooks in this part.

(f) [Deleted by 2018 amendment.]