The proposed Longitudinal Data Act establishes the Division of Longitudinal Data within the legislative research department, which will be responsible for developing and managing the Kansas Longitudinal Data System. This system aims to securely link and analyze education, workforce, and related data. The bill empowers the Legislative Coordinating Council to appoint a director for the division, who will oversee operations and hire staff. It also mandates the creation of a publicly accessible online registry of educational and occupational credentials while ensuring the protection of personally identifiable information.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding the disclosure of student data, allowing for sharing with authorized personnel from the new division and under specific conditions, such as compliance with lawful subpoenas or with the consent of students for postsecondary educational purposes. It repeals K.S.A. 72-6314, which previously governed student data confidentiality or disclosure. The act includes appropriations for the division through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and includes a sunset provision that will cause the act to expire on January 1, 2033. The new provisions will take effect immediately upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 72-6314
As introduced: 72-6314