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Bill

HD 842

An Act relative to student and educator data privacy

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Lipper-Garabedian and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill restricting school data collection and third-party sharing to protect student and educator privacy rights.

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Bill Summary · HD 842

Legislative bill overview

HD 842 establishes comprehensive data privacy protections for students and educators in Massachusetts schools. The bill restricts how student and educator personal information can be collected, used, shared, and retained by educational institutions and third-party vendors.

Why is this important

Schools increasingly rely on digital tools and data analytics that collect sensitive information about students and teachers, raising concerns about surveillance, profiling, and data breaches. Clear privacy standards protect minors from commercial exploitation and unauthorized tracking while maintaining educational effectiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools may face expenses adapting systems to comply with new data handling requirements and vendor audits
  • Vendor restrictions vs. educational innovation: Limiting third-party data sharing could reduce access to useful educational software and analytics tools
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill's effectiveness depends on adequate state oversight resources and clear penalties for violations
  • Parental consent requirements: Defining when parental opt-in is required versus default collection practices could create operational complexity
  • Data deletion timelines: Restrictions on data retention must balance privacy rights with legitimate record-keeping needs (transcripts, special education files, etc.)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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