PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB342

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB342

Introduced
1/8/24  

Caption

Providing for school safety practices and for student online personal data safety practices; imposing penalties; making an appropriation; and making editorial changes.

Impact

If passed, SB 342 would significantly alter existing statutes relating to the handling of student information within Pennsylvania's educational framework. The bill establishes clear guidelines for third-party vendors who supply educational services, mandating the protection and confidentiality of student data. Additionally, it introduces penalties for providers who fail to comply with these requirements, effectively increasing the accountability of educational institutions and their associated vendors. Notably, the bill appropriates funding for the implementation of these guidelines, which will support local educational entities in developing compliance measures.

Summary

Senate Bill 342, introduced in Pennsylvania, aims to fortify school safety practices and enhance personal data safety for students in online educational environments. It mandates educational entities to establish robust protocols and security measures designed to protect student data from unauthorized access and breach. These measures include specific limitations on educational technology providers, prohibiting them from selling student data, using it for targeted advertising, or creating profiles for noneducation-related purposes. The bill emphasizes the imperativeness of ensuring that student data is handled responsibly and ethically, reflecting a growing concern regarding data privacy in educational contexts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 342 has been predominantly positive, particularly among advocates for student privacy and security. Many stakeholders believe that the bill represents a crucial step toward safeguarding sensitive information in an era where children's data is increasingly vulnerable to breaches. However, there are concerns voiced by some educational technology providers about the potential impact on their operations and ability to leverage data for enhancement of educational tools. Balancing the need for data protection with the utility of educational technologies is a focal point of the ongoing discussions.

Contention

While support for SB 342 exists, it has also encountered points of contention, particularly regarding the rigidity of its provisions and their implications for educational practices. Critics warn that overly stringent data protection mandates may hinder the innovative use of educational technologies that leverage student data for enhanced learning experiences. The debate essentially centers on finding a harmonious approach that preserves student safety while still allowing for the effective utilization of technological advances in education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1648

Providing for right-to-know; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1310

In professional employees, providing for educator data collection and reporting; and making an editorial change.

PA SB579

Providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB563

Providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB2394

Providing for interchange fee tax exclusion and for penalties; and making editorial changes.

PA SB898

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1356

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB120

In school safety and security, providing for COVID-19 pandemic trauma-informed education grants for 2023-2024 school year; and making an appropriation.

PA SB187

Further providing for title and for definitions; and making editorial changes.

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