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Bill Summary · HB 407

Summary of HB 407 (Public Education Information System) — Utah, 2026 General Session

Purpose and intent

HB 407 seeks to overhaul Utah’s student information landscape by establishing a statewide, standards-driven Public Education Information System. The bill aims to standardize data collection, improve interoperability among local education agencies (LEAs), and enhance school safety data capture. It contemplates a phased transition to a statewide system, with provisions for LEA-maintained systems under specific conditions and a vendor certification program to ensure compliance and data security.

Key provisions and changes

  • ** statewide system procurement and interoperability**

    • Requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to procure a statewide student information system (SIS) and set interoperability standards.
    • Enables LEAs to maintain their own SIS under certain conditions, provided they meet SBE data standards and interoperability requirements.

  • Data standards, security, and access

    • Establishes comprehensive data standards and integration requirements for LEA data systems.
    • Mandates secure data handling, privacy protections, role-based access, and audit logging.
    • Includes provisions to protect student privacy under federal and state law and requires data integration with state systems and, where applicable, the public safety portal.

  • Student Achievement Backpack and Utah Student Record Store

    • Creates a Student Achievement Backpack—a complete, electronic learner profile accessible to parents and authorized LEA users, designed to support postsecondary planning, targeted instruction, and disaster recovery.
    • Establishes the Utah Student Record Store to consolidate access to student data while enforcing security and privacy controls.

  • LEA-maintained systems

    • Allows LEAs to maintain their own SIS if they meet integration standards and can reconcile data with state standards.
    • Requires annual integration certification, data synchronization, and timely remediation of issues.

  • Vendor certification and enforcement

    • Introduces a voluntary vendor certification program for SIS vendors, with criteria, testing, and ongoing recertification.
    • State board may impose enforcement actions (including funding withholdings) for noncompliance by LEAs, with appeals processes.

  • Implementation timeline and funding

    • Establishes a phased implementation schedule beginning no earlier than July 1, 2028, with full statewide compliance targeted by July 1, 2031.
    • Provides for potential LEA contract extensions and transitional support, including data migration and training resources.
    • Addresses funding mechanisms, including potential state-provided assistance for implementation and ongoing support, subject to appropriations.

  • Accountability and reporting

    • Requires the state board to report progress, vendor certification effectiveness, costs and savings, data quality improvements, and school safety data utilization to the Education Interim Committee.
    • As of 2031, funding and compliance data feed into the state’s budgeting and accountability processes.

Who would be affected

  • LEAs (districts and charter schools) that must align data systems with statewide standards or operate under compliant LEA-maintained systems.
  • Parents and students, who gain access to the Student Achievement Backpack.
  • SIS vendors, through certification requirements and potential funding considerations.
  • The Utah State Board of Education, which would oversee standards, interoperability, security, and enforcement.

Timeline highlights

  • 2028: Start of phased statewide SIS implementation.
  • 2031: Full statewide compliance required; data system integration and reporting obligations become central to accountability and funding.
  • 2031 onward: Ongoing operation under the statewide SIS or compliant LEA-maintained systems.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s substantive provisions as presented in HB 407 and its amendments. For precise language and any updated provisions, consult the official bill text.

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

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