Generally revise student data laws to enhance privacy

2025 Regular Session

Broadly revises student data laws to strengthen privacy—expands consent, access rights, data minimization, security, and vendor controls for schools, colleges, and contractors.

(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery

#informationtechnology(seealso:communications) #laborandemployment(seealso:unemploymentinsurance;workers'comp) #rulemaking #schoolsandeducation #universitysystem(seealso:colleges)

LC 294 — Generally revise student data laws to enhance privacy

Overview

LC 294 is a proposed bill titled “Generally revise student data laws to enhance privacy.” The bill is in the drafting stage (LC) and is currently listed as Draft Ready for Delivery. It was introduced on September 23, 2024. The bill’s subject matter spans Information Technology, Education, University Systems, Rule Making, and related labor/employment considerations.

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim, as indicated by the title, is to revise existing student data laws with the goal of strengthening privacy protections surrounding student information.

Specific policy objectives and the exact mechanisms by which privacy would be enhanced are not provided in the available summary. The draft language, once released, will delineate the precise privacy standards, rights, and obligations.

Key Provisions (Not Yet Available in Text)

The bill is described as a broad revision of student data laws. Potential areas typically addressed in such measures may include:

Restrictions on collection, use, and sharing of student data by schools, higher education institutions, and handling entities (e.g., vendors and contractors).
Stronger consent and notice requirements for data collection and analytics.
Data minimization and retention standards.
Student and parental access rights to data and records.
Data security standards and breach notification procedures.
Vendor management, data processing agreements, and accountability measures.
Establishment of enforcement mechanisms and penalties for noncompliance.
Rulemaking authority to set further standards and procedures.

Important: The exact provisions, definitions (e.g., “student data,” “vendor”), exemptions, and enforcement details will depend on the final drafted text.

Affected Parties

Students and parents/guardians (privacy rights and access concerns).

Schools, school districts, colleges, universities, and university system entities that handle student data.

Data vendors, third-party service providers, and contractors engaged by educational institutions.

State agencies and offices involved in rulemaking, oversight, and enforcement of education and privacy laws.

Employers or workers involved in related programs could be tangentially affected if employment records intersect with student data handling.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Draft Status Progression:

2024-09-23: Drafter Assigned
2024-12-30: Draft in Legal Review
2025-01-01: Draft in Edit
2025-01-01 to 2025-01-05: Draft in Input/Proofing, Final Drafter Review, and Assembly
2025-01-08: Draft Ready for Delivery

These dates reflect the bill’s progression through drafting, review, and preparation for introduction or delivery to the legislature.

Notes

As of now, the actual text detailing specific provisions is not included in the summary provided. Once the draft language is released, a more precise section-by-section analysis can be provided, including exact requirements, timelines for compliance, and any fiscal or implementation implications.