Committee advances bill moving first SLDS report deadline to Sept. 15, 2026

The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee voted to send House Bill 1308 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation, advancing a five-month delay for the first annual report of the State Longitudinal Data System.

Representative Zap Weinberg, the bill sponsor, said the measure "proposes moving the deadline for the Office of Information Technology's first annual report from April to September 15, 2026." She described the extra time as necessary for cross-agency coordination and to ensure data accuracy.

The bill would change the reporting schedule for the statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS), a data infrastructure intended to connect education and workforce data across state agencies to inform policy on student and career outcomes. Representative Weinberg said the delay will allow "more complete data integration, stronger cross agency collaboration, and ultimately, a more useful report for the general assembly and the state board of education."

Michael McReynolds, legislative liaison for the Office of Information Technology, testified in support and told the committee OIT and its partners are entering vendor selection. "The additional five months requested by this bill will allow OIT and our partners to facilitate a more thorough data discovery process, ensure the selection of the most appropriate vendor for the system build and allow our necessary iterations on the product before the delivery of the first report," McReynolds said. He also stated, "this bill has no fiscal impact."

Committee members asked about progress and whether the new deadline would be sufficient. Representative Luck asked where the project stands; members were told the project is currently entering the vendor-selection phase and that the new date is September 15, 2026. Representative Paschall voiced support for the extra planning time.

Vice Chair Clifford moved the bill to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; Representative Ricks seconded. The committee polled and recorded an 11-0 vote in favor, with two members not voting. The clerk announced, "That bill passes unanimously 11 2 0."

The bill now proceeds to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.