Bill > SB118

This bill generally revises student data laws to enhance privacy protections in Montana's K-12 student data system. It introduces a "right to be forgotten" mechanism that allows students or parents to request deletion of their education data from the statewide system, with specific conditions and timelines. The bill requires the Education and Workforce Data Governing Board to establish procedures for verifiable deletion requests, including at least two methods for submission, and mandates that requests be processed within 45 days (with possible extensions). The legislation also expands the responsibilities of the K-12 Data Task Force to include developing comprehensive data security plans, privacy compliance standards, and annual notifications about student privacy rights. Additionally, the bill modifies definitions of education data, clarifies data sharing protocols, and prohibits the direct use of social security numbers as unique student identifiers. The bill aims to balance the need for educational data analysis with strong privacy protections, ensuring that student information is used appropriately and can be removed upon request, while maintaining compliance with federal privacy laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Budget and Finance, Education

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0294