Texas House Bill HB3812

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the release of student directory information by a public institution of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3812 would create stricter regulations surrounding the handling of student information. The bill fundamentally shifts the burden onto educational institutions to ensure that student directory information is not disclosed without appropriate consent, reinforcing existing federal privacy laws. This change is expected to bolster student privacy rights and address growing concerns about data security in an era where personal information is increasingly vulnerable to unauthorized access and misuse.

Summary

House Bill 3812 aims to enhance the confidentiality of student directory information in public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill amends the Education Code to prohibit these institutions from selling or releasing designated directory information—such as students' names, email addresses, physical addresses, and telephone numbers—without written consent from the students or their parents, where applicable. This legislative effort seeks to provide additional privacy protections atop those already included in the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Contention

One point of contention surrounding HB 3812 involves the balance between institutional transparency and student privacy. Supporters may argue that the bill strengthens protections for students' sensitive information in light of recent data breaches. Conversely, critics could raise concerns regarding the potential implications for institutional operations, especially in scenarios where directory information is beneficial for alumni outreach or communication with students. Stakeholders in the higher education sector would need to navigate this tension between enhanced privacy measures and the practical needs of institutional functioning.