In preliminary provisions, providing for student data privacy and protection; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Education; and imposing penalties.
Impact
This bill is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding data privacy and educational institutions' obligations. It establishes clear guidelines on what constitutes necessary student data, while also reinforcing the rights of students and their parents or guardians to access, review, and correct educational records. The law introduces penalties for educational entities that fail to comply, which underscores the importance of data security amidst rising concerns over identity theft and data breaches in schools.
Summary
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 378 aims to enhance the privacy and protection of student data in educational institutions. By establishing a framework focused on safeguarding personally identifiable information collected by educational entities, the bill seeks to ensure that only essential data is collected, maintained, and disclosed. The legislation specifically grants authority to the Department of Education to oversee compliance, establish security measures, and impose penalties for breaches or misuse of student data.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 378 appears largely positive, especially among proponents who advocate for stronger data protection measures. Supporters argue that this legislation is crucial in today's digital landscape, where personal information is frequently targeted by cyber threats. However, there may be concerns from some educational providers regarding the administrative burden and costs associated with implementing these new data security requirements.
Contention
While the bill generally reflects a consensus on the need for data protection, there may be points of contention regarding the balance between data security and educational innovation. Some stakeholders could argue that strict limitations on data usage might hinder the ability to leverage student data for beneficial educational purposes, such as targeted support systems. Discussions may also arise around the responsibility imposed on third-party vendors who handle student data and the extent of their accountability under this new legislation.
In preliminary provisions, providing for student data privacy and protection; imposing duties on the Department of Education; and providing for penalties.
Protecting workers from training repayment agreement provisions; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.
Providing for protection of certain personal data of consumers; imposing duties on controllers and processors of personal data of consumers; providing for enforcement; prescribing penalties; and establishing the Consumer Privacy Fund.
Providing for consumer protection and prohibiting the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in certain products; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and imposing penalties.
In preliminary provisions, providing for student data privacy and protection; imposing duties on the Department of Education; and providing for penalties.
Providing for school safety practices and for student online personal data safety practices; imposing penalties; making an appropriation; and making editorial changes.
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.
Provides for limitations and prohibitions on the collection and sharing of student information and provides penalties for violations (EN +$651,000 SD EX See Note)
Clarifies policy analysis and development under "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act"; strengthens investigations; amends definition of harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and allows anti-bullying specialists to receive remuneration.