Bill
HB 2303
HB 2303 creates a Kansas Longitudinal Data System to securely link and analyze education and workforce data, with a new KLRD Division, de-identification, and a $3M FY2026 funding.
Status & procedural notes
- Introduced: January 31, 2025.
- Hearing: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 3:30 PM, Room 546‑S.
- Primary classification: bill (House Committee on K‑12 Education Budget).
Purpose / intent
HB 2303 would establish a Kansas statewide longitudinal data system to securely link, de‑identify, store and analyze individual‑level education, workforce and related data over time — to inform legislative and state policy on education‑to‑employment outcomes and workforce development. The bill creates a new Division of Longitudinal Data within the Legislative Research Department (KLRD) to develop, manage and operate the system.
Key provisions and changes
- Creates the Longitudinal Data Act and defines key terms (e.g., “de‑identified,” “education data,” “workforce data,” “Kansas longitudinal data system”).
- Establishes the Division of Longitudinal Data in KLRD and a Director of Longitudinal Data:
- Director appointed by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) (vote of five members).
- Director may hire assistants/employees (unclassified service) and designate research designees.
- Establishes the Kansas Longitudinal Data System as a secure platform to:
- Exchange, de‑identify and match individual education and workforce data from participating agencies and outside entities;
- Connect stakeholders to information and resources supporting the education‑to‑employment pipeline;
- Provide the Legislature and state agencies with aggregated analyses and reports on outcomes.
- Participating agencies (by MOU) include: State Dept. of Education, State Board of Regents, Dept. of Labor, Dept. of Revenue, Dept. of Health & Environment, Dept. of Commerce, and outside entities that join via MOU. Agencies retain ownership of their data and may opt out of research requests that would violate law. A participating agency may not access another agency’s data unless the Division approves a request.
- Data governance, security and transparency:
- Division must develop and publish a data governance and security plan on a Division website.
- Must ensure data are de‑identified, kept confidential, and used in accordance with state and federal law.
- Establish policies for public sharing of aggregated data/reports.
- Kansas Credential Skills Registry:
- Division required to create a public, machine‑actionable registry of state‑granted or state‑funded educational and occupational credentials aligned to open standards.
- Research request process:
- Division must prioritize and maintain a list of research requests.
- On or before Jan 31, 2026, the Director must accept requests from legislative committees/staff, the Governor/exec agencies, the Kansas Board of Education and the Board of Regents.
- With LCC approval, the Division may fulfill requests from other state entities, political subdivisions, private entities or members of the public.
- The Division may require requestors to pay the full cost of completing non‑covered research once complete.
- Reporting: Division must prepare an annual report to the LCC and Governor.
Fiscal impact
- The bill appropriates $3.0 million from the State General Fund for FY2026 to the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) for Division startup/operations.
- KLRD states the bill itself would have “no fiscal effect” because the appropriation funds the Division. Legislative Administrative Services (LAS) indicates the $3.0 million would effectively be the Division’s budget and that future annual costs are likely to be approximately $3.0 million (subject to future LCC/legislative budgeting). Because appropriations cannot be transferred between agencies, LAS notes an interagency agreement would be needed to have LCC funds pay KLRD expenditures.
Who would be affected
- State participating agencies and outside entities providing data.
- The Legislature and executive branch (users of research products).
- Researchers, policymakers and (subject to approvals) other governmental or private requestors.
- Kansas students, workers and other individuals whose records would be included — the bill emphasizes de‑identification, confidentiality and legal protections.
Timing & notable deadlines
- Director selection and Division establishment occur after enactment; the bill requires that by January 31, 2026 the Director accept prioritized research requests from specified entities.
- FY2026 appropriation of $3.0 million to LCC is specified for initial Division funding.
Limitation / safeguards
- Participating agencies retain data ownership and can opt out of requests that would violate law.
- Data must be de‑identified for Division use; personally identifiable information is restricted and governed by law and the Division’s security plan.
Overall, HB 2303 creates a legislatively controlled, centralized mechanism for linking and analyzing education and workforce data in Kansas, paired with a public credential registry, specific governance duties, and an initial $3.0 million appropriation for FY2026.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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