Provides relative to the collection and sharing of certain student information (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
The impact of HB 470 on state laws involves adjustments to privacy standards regarding personally identifiable information of students. By formalizing the collection and sharing of social security numbers within a structured framework, the bill seeks to ensure compliance with existing privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The legislation emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and allows parents or students of age to revoke consent at any time, balancing the needs for data utilization and personal privacy.
House Bill 470 aims to improve the evaluation of state and federal educational programs by requiring public secondary schools in Louisiana to collect and disclose the social security numbers of students pursuing diplomas. The bill mandates that schools obtain parental consent before collecting these numbers, with the information being shared with a company contracted to create unique student identifiers and with the Louisiana Workforce Commission. The intent is to enhance workforce training and postsecondary education programs by enabling more precise data collection and analysis.
General sentiment surrounding HB 470 appears to be cautiously optimistic among educational stakeholders. Supporters of the bill argue that the enhanced data collection will facilitate better program evaluation and improvements, ultimately benefiting students in workforce preparation. However, there are concerns regarding the potential risks to student privacy and the implications of sharing sensitive information. The balance of these perspectives reflects an ongoing dialogue about the role of data in educational environments.
A notable point of contention regarding HB 470 relates to privacy concerns. While the bill addresses the need for more comprehensive data to assess educational outcomes, opponents warn that disclosing social security numbers could expose students to identity theft or misuse of their personal information. The explicit requirements for obtaining consent aim to mitigate these risks, yet debates continue around the trade-offs of potentially sacrificing privacy for enhanced program evaluation capabilities.