Contentious Hearing on SB 96: Bill Would Require Schools to Answer Parents 'Completely and Honestly'; Critics Say It Threatens Student Privacy

Summary

Senate Bill 96 would require school staff to answer parental requests for information about their child "completely and honestly" within 10 business days unless disclosure would place the child at imminent risk; supporters say it restores parental trust, critics say it endangers student privacy and trusted-adult relationships.

Senate Bill 96, labeled the "Honesty and Transparency in Education Act" by its sponsor Sen. Tim Lang, would require school districts to respond "completely and honestly" to written parental requests about their child within 10 business days, subject to a narrowly defined exception when disclosing the information would, in the credential holder's good-faith judgment, put a student at imminent risk of physical harm, abuse or neglect. The bill would make a violation a disciplinary matter under the educator code of conduct.

Lang described the bill as intended to restore parents' trust in schools by making clear that parents can get straightforward answers when they ask about their children's welfare and school performance. "The primary trust relationship in this discussion is the trust of the parent with the school system," Lang said.

Opponents from a broad cross-section of witnesses said the bill would damage…

Contentious Hearing on SB 96: Bill Would Require Schools to Answer Parents 'Completely and Honestly'; Critics Say It Threatens Student Privacy

Summary

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