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Bill

SB 118

Generally revise student data laws to enhance privacy

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Zolnikov

Montana bill to strengthen student data privacy protections died in committee after multiple failed procedural votes and canceled hearings in 2025.

(H) Died in Standing Committee
#informationtechnology(seealso:communications) #laborandemployment(seealso:unemploymentinsurance;workers'comp) #rulemaking #schoolsandeducation #universitysystem(seealso:colleges)
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Bill Summary · SB 118

Legislative bill overview

SB 118 sought to comprehensively revise Montana's student data privacy laws, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available information. The bill was introduced by Senator Daniel Zolnikov but failed to advance through the legislative process, dying in standing committee during the 2025 session.

Why is this important

Student data privacy is a significant concern as K-12 schools collect increasingly sensitive information about minors—from academic performance to behavioral records to biometric data. Strengthening protections affects how schools, vendors, and third parties can access, use, and share student information, with implications for student safety, parental control, and educational equity.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and implementation costs: Enhanced privacy requirements often demand new technical infrastructure, staff training, and compliance systems, raising questions about unfunded mandates on school districts
  • Vendor restrictions vs. educational innovation: Tighter data regulations may limit schools' ability to use analytics tools, learning platforms, and third-party educational software that rely on student data
  • Parental access and transparency: Privacy laws must balance protecting student data from commercial exploitation while allowing parents appropriate visibility into their children's school records and experiences

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

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