On February 19, 2025, the Montana Legislature introduced Senate Bill 118, aimed at enhancing the management and transparency of K-12 education data. The bill seeks to establish a more robust framework for the collection, sharing, and deletion of student education data, addressing concerns about data privacy and accessibility.

One of the key provisions of SB 118 is the establishment of the Education and Workforce Data Governing Board, which will oversee the handling of education data. The bill mandates that upon receiving a verifiable request, the board must delete a student's education data from the statewide K-12 data system and provide the student or their parent with a copy of the deleted data at no cost. This provision aims to empower students and parents with greater control over personal educational information.

Additionally, the bill outlines a process for extending the compliance period for data deletion requests, allowing for a potential 90-day extension under certain circumstances. This flexibility is intended to accommodate the complexities of handling multiple requests while ensuring that students' rights are upheld.

SB 118 also emphasizes the importance of transparency in public school performance data. It requires the Office of Public Instruction to maintain a statewide K-12 data system that facilitates timely decision-making for school districts. The system is designed to improve instructional practices and student performance by providing intuitive reporting options and eliminating redundant data collections.

Debate surrounding the bill has highlighted concerns regarding data privacy and the potential for misuse of student information. Opponents argue that while the bill promotes transparency, it may inadvertently expose sensitive data if not managed properly. Proponents, however, assert that the bill is a necessary step toward modernizing education data systems and enhancing collaboration among educators, parents, and students.

The implications of SB 118 are significant, as it not only aims to improve educational outcomes through better data management but also addresses growing concerns about data privacy in an increasingly digital world. Experts suggest that if passed, the bill could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring discussions and potential amendments to SB 118, which could shape the future of education data governance in Montana. The next steps will involve committee reviews and public hearings, where further input from educators, parents, and data privacy advocates will be solicited.