Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB500

Introduced
3/28/23  
Refer
3/28/23  
Report Pass
4/3/23  
Engrossed
4/4/23  
Refer
4/4/23  

Caption

To Create The Student Data Vendor Security Act.

Impact

If enacted, SB500 will directly affect the operational frameworks of local education agencies and their interactions with school service contract providers. Schools will need to establish contracts that explicitly outline privacy and security safeguards, and they will be required to maintain updated lists of all vendors that handle student data. This could significantly reduce risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access, as it enforces strong punitive measures against non-compliant vendors, including potential contract termination.

Summary

Senate Bill 500, known as the Student Data Vendor Security Act, aims to strengthen the security and transparency regarding the handling of student personally identifiable information (PII) by school service vendors in Arkansas. This legislation focuses on regulating how third-party vendors collect, use, and manage this sensitive information and mandates that local education agencies ensure stringent compliance with specified data protection measures. The bill requires clear communication from vendors regarding the nature of the data being collected and its intended use, thus enhancing accountability in the educational sector.

Contention

While the bill has gained support for its intentions to protect student data privacy, debates have arisen regarding the balance between data security and the operational flexibility of schools. Critics argue that overly stringent regulations may complicate the procurement processes for educational technologies and limit beneficial innovations in educational resources. The focus on compliance may impose additional burdens on schools, potentially leading to increased operational costs and inefficiencies in data use for improved educational outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1026

An Act For The Department Of Commerce - State Bank Department And State Securities Department Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HB1072

An Act For The State Department For Social Security Administration Disability Determination Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR HB1056

An Act For The Henderson State University Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Similar Bills

AR HB1757

To Create The Student Data Vendor Security Act.

VT H0480

An act relating to miscellaneous amendments to education law

AR HB1020

To Repeal The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; To Create A New Education Funding Category For Students Who Receive Special Education And Related Services; And To Create The Community Schools Act Fund.

AR SB625

To Amend Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; And To Declare An Emergency.

OR HB3694

Relating to student athletes; and declaring an emergency.

OR SB1193

Relating to compensation to student athletes.

OR HB4119

Relating to student athletes; and declaring an emergency.

WV HB2167

Relating to public charter schools code provisions