Connecticut House Bill HB05785

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/17
• Refer: 1/18/17

Caption

An Act Permitting School Districts To Delay Implementation Of The Student Data Privacy Act.

Impact

The impact of HB 5785 may result in significant changes to how student data is managed at the local level. If passed, it would grant school districts an extended period to prepare for compliance with the stringent requirements set forth in the Student Data Privacy Act. This extension may allow districts to enhance their data management systems and training for staff, ensuring that they can safeguard student information more effectively. However, it could also prolong any potential vulnerabilities in student data protection during the additional delay.

Summary

House Bill 5785 is a proposal that aims to provide local and regional boards of education the authority to delay the implementation of the Student Data Privacy Act, specifically public act 16-189. This act was originally established to protect the privacy of student data collected by educational institutions. By allowing districts to postpone these provisions until the school year commencing July 1, 2018, the bill seeks to address concerns about the readiness of educational institutions to fully comply with the new privacy regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 5785 include the balance between ensuring robust data privacy protections for students and providing necessary flexibility for school districts that may lack the resources or infrastructure to comply with the act. Proponents of the bill argue that the additional time is crucial for districts to adequately set up the required protocols. Conversely, opponents may contend that delaying the implementation could compromise student data security in the interim period and emphasize the importance of swift action to adhere to privacy laws to protect students adequately.