Relating to restricting the use of personally identifiable student information by an operator of a website, online service, online application, or mobile application used for a school purpose and providing an exemption from certain restrictions for a national assessment provider.
Impact
The law will significantly impact how educational agencies and service providers handle sensitive student information. By enforcing stringent security protocols and requiring adherence to standardized data sharing agreements, HB2691 strengthens state-level safeguards against data breaches. It emphasizes the necessity for operators to align with the Texas Student Data System policies, which aim to centralize and secure student data management, thereby reassuring parents and schools about their students' privacy.
Summary
House Bill 2691 focuses on the protection of personally identifiable student information when used by operators of online services, applications, or websites in educational contexts. The bill mandates that operators implement reasonable security measures to protect this information from unauthorized access and outlines specific guidelines for data management, including the use of unique identifiers to mask personal details. This form of regulation aims to enhance student data privacy amid growing concerns about the security of online educational tools.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB2691 appears to be positive, particularly among educators and parents who advocate for stronger data privacy laws. Supporters argue that the bill is a critical step in protecting student information in a digital age where data breaches are increasingly common. There seems to be a consensus that legislative action is necessary to ensure the security of student data, although concerns were raised about implementation complexities and the potential costs for educational institutions and service providers.
Contention
Some points of contention include the exemption provided for national assessment providers, which allows them to handle student information without adhering to the same strictures as other operators. This aspect of the bill has raised questions among advocates about whether it could lead to potential loopholes and inadequacies in protecting student privacy. Moreover, discussions highlighted the challenge of balancing security measures with the operational capabilities of educational institutions, particularly smaller entities that may struggle with compliance.
Relating to certain restrictions on the use of personally identifiable information pertaining to a public school student by an operator or educational entity.
Relating to the protection of personally identifiable student information and the use of covered information by an operator or educational entity; authorizing a civil and administrative penalty.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.
Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.