Utah committee discusses data privacy bill amid opposition from school associations

The Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at enhancing data privacy in education. The meeting highlighted concerns from various stakeholders regarding the management and security of student data.

A key point of discussion centered on whether the State Board of Education could implement the proposed changes without the bill, given that the funding would come from their existing budget rather than new appropriations. Committee members sought clarity on the necessity of the bill for establishing a committee to consolidate information related to data privacy.

Support for the bill was expressed, with committee members noting that the State Board had indicated it could absorb the associated costs. However, there was also acknowledgment of opposition from several educational associations, including the Utah School Boards Association and the Utah School Superintendents Association, raising questions about the bill's impact on the State Board.

Corinne Johnson, representing Utah Parents United, emphasized the importance of proactive measures in addressing data privacy concerns. She pointed out that recent data breaches have heightened parental anxiety about how student information is collected, used, and stored. Johnson advocated for a coordinated approach among legislators, school boards, and parents to ensure data security, praising the bill as an innovative solution to these ongoing issues.

The committee concluded the meeting with a call for further discussion and action on the proposed legislation, underscoring the significance of addressing data privacy in the educational landscape.