Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB565

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23
• Refer: 6/21/23

Caption

In preliminary provisions, providing for student data privacy and protection; imposing duties on the Department of Education; and providing for penalties.

Impact

The bill aims to amend Title 24 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, creating a new chapter dedicated to safeguarding student data. Key provisions include the establishment of a chief data privacy officer tasked with ensuring compliance with federal and state laws regarding data privacy. Educational entities must adopt reasonable security policies and are required to notify students and parents within a defined timeframe in case of any data breaches. This represents a significant step toward reinforcing the rights of students and their families regarding their educational records, and lays down a framework for addressing potential misuse of data.

Summary

Senate Bill 565, introduced in Pennsylvania, centers around the crucial issue of student data privacy and protection. The bill outlines specific duties for the Department of Education in safeguarding student information from unauthorized access and breaches. It emphasizes the collection of only essential data, establishing clear guidelines on how student data should be handled, as well as penalties for entities that fail to comply. This legislative action reflects growing concerns about the protection of personal information held by educational institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 565 appears largely supportive among legislative members and privacy advocates, as it addresses critical gaps in current student data protections. The bill is seen as necessary to establish trust in educational entities by ensuring the confidentiality and security of personal information. However, some concerns were raised regarding the implications for operational procedures within schools and the potential burdens of compliance for smaller educational institutions.

Contention

While SB 565 generally promotes stronger protections for student data, some contention arises over the balance between data accessibility for educational purposes and privacy rights. Critics argue that the stringent regulations could hinder the ability of educational institutions to utilize data effectively for student development and targeted support. Additionally, the assessment and enforcement mechanisms outlined in the bill could be viewed as overly regulatory, potentially complicating operations, especially for smaller entities that may lack resources to comply with the new regulations.