Texas Senate Bill SB711

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/11
• Introduced: 2/15/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/14/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/29/11
• Report Pass: 3/31/11
• Engrossed: 4/14/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 4/29/11

Caption

Relating to the confidentiality of certain identifying information regarding students of career schools or colleges and other educational entities; providing a criminal penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB711 will substantially impact how educational institutions handle student data, imposing stricter regulations on the confidentiality of this information. By categorizing student information as non-public, the bill seeks to safeguard the privacy rights of individuals pursuing education from potential misuse or unauthorized access. This legislation will also provide a clear definition of what constitutes student information, making it less ambiguous for schools to comply with these regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 711 addresses the confidentiality of identifying information related to students enrolled in career schools and other educational institutions. The bill stipulates that certain information, including names, addresses, social security numbers, and educational records, is deemed confidential and not publicly accessible under the state's open records law. This is designed to enhance privacy protections for students, ensuring that sensitive information cannot be solicited or disclosed without proper authorization.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB711 include concerns about the potential implications for transparency within educational institutions. While advocates argue that the bill is necessary for protecting student privacy, critics may voice concerns that such strict confidentiality could hinder accountability and oversight. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the balance between necessary access to student information for legitimate purposes while still maintaining robust privacy protections.