Connecticut Senate Bill SB00237

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/12
• Refer: 2/23/12
• Report Pass: 3/6/12
• Report Pass: 3/20/12
• Refer: 3/27/12
• Report Pass: 4/3/12
• Engrossed: 5/2/12
• Report Pass: 5/4/12
• Chaptered: 5/30/12
• Enrolled: 6/1/12
• Passed: 6/15/12

Caption

An Act Concerning The Sharing Of Information Between The Labor Department And The Board Of Regents For Higher Education.

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to impact state laws by formalizing and enhancing the legal framework surrounding information exchange between governmental and educational entities. This legislation aims to streamline processes related to workforce development and educational assessments, ensuring that data valuable for evaluating program effectiveness are securely shared while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information. The focus on acceptable usage and security protocols aims to foster a collaborative environment between various authorities involved in workforce development without compromising personal privacy.

Summary

SB00237 is a legislative act addressing the sharing of information between the Labor Department and the Board of Regents for Higher Education. Its primary aim is to facilitate the effective administration of federal and state workforce programs by enabling data exchange while ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the confidentiality of the shared information. The bill mandates that the receiving entities, including regional workforce development boards and nonpublic organizations contracted by the Department of Labor, must enter into written agreements that outline the permissible uses of disclosed information and the measures taken to safeguard it.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB00237 appears to be positive, as it seeks to improve cooperative efforts between the Labor Department and the Board of Regents, which is viewed as a beneficial move for economic and educational advancements. Legislative discussions emphasize the necessity of having robust safeguards in place to protect confidential data, signaling an awareness of privacy concerns that come with information sharing. Supporters argue that the bill will lead to better-informed decisions and enhance the efficacy of programs benefiting the state's workforce.

Contention

A notable point of contention involves balancing the need for effective information sharing against the risks associated with data privacy. While the bill aims to improve coordination among agencies with potentially significant benefits, there are apprehensions regarding how effectively confidentiality will be upheld. Critics might raise concerns about the potential for misuse of information or lapses in safeguarding measures, which could inadvertently lead to breaches of personal data. The written agreements stressing the importance of confidentiality and penalties for violations reflect that addressing these challenges is crucial for the bill's acceptance.