Texas Senate Bill SB2132

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain identifying information regarding career school or college students.

Impact

The enactment of SB2132 could significantly impact data handling practices within educational institutions across Texas. By enforcing stricter guidelines on student information, schools and colleges might need to implement new privacy protocols to comply with the legislation. This ensures that sensitive information is safeguarded against unauthorized access and potential misuse, ultimately prioritizing the students' rights to privacy in educational settings. Additionally, institutions may increasingly adopt privacy training and awareness programs for staff to adapt to the new requirements set forth by this bill.

Summary

SB2132 aims to enhance the protection of identifying information pertinent to students enrolled in career schools or colleges. This bill amends Section 132.024 of the Education Code to define 'student information' explicitly, encompassing a range of personal data including student names, addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, email addresses, and birth dates. By clarifying the types of information considered sensitive, the bill seeks to ensure that institutions handle student data with greater caution and accountability.

Contention

While the intent of SB2132 is to protect student information, there may be concerns regarding the practical implications for educational institutions. Critics could argue that the additional regulations may impose financial burdens and operational challenges for smaller organizations that may lack the resources to comply with extensive data management processes. Moreover, institutions might face dilemmas regarding transparency, balancing the need to protect student information with obligations to provide accessible educational records. As such, the bill could spark discussions about finding a harmonious balance between privacy and institutional accountability.