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Bill

SF 1602

Certain election officials and business entities permission to access student or parent data authorization provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Coleman

Minnesota bill would grant election officials and business entities access to student and parent educational data for unspecified purposes.

Referred to Education Policy
#childrenandfamiliesandchildren #youthandfamiliesdepartment #datapracticesandprivacy #educationandeducationdepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 1602

Legislative bill overview

SF 1602 would authorize certain election officials and business entities to access student and parent data, presumably for voter registration or election-related purposes. The bill was introduced in February 2025 and has been referred to the Education Policy Committee for initial review.

Why is this important

Student and parent data is considered sensitive personal information protected under federal laws like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). Expanding access to this data beyond educational purposes raises questions about privacy safeguards, data security, and the scope of information that can be shared with external parties. This could affect millions of Minnesota students and families.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data security concerns: Expanding access to student/parent data to non-educational entities increases risks of misuse, breaches, or unauthorized access to sensitive personal information
  • FERPA compliance questions: The bill's relationship to federal privacy protections is unclear—whether it creates exemptions or operates within existing legal frameworks needs clarification
  • Lack of specificity: The bill language appears vague regarding which "business entities" gain access, what specific data points are accessible, and what safeguards or oversight mechanisms exist

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

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