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 Legislative Coordinating Council is authorized to appoint a director for the division, who will oversee operations and hire staff. The act also mandates the creation of a publicly accessible online registry of educational and occupational credentials while ensuring the protection of personally identifiable information. The act is set to expire on January 1, 2033, and includes appropriations for the division for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding the disclosure of student data, allowing authorized personnel from the new division to access this data under specific conditions, including compliance with lawful subpoenas or court orders. It permits the transfer of student data to postsecondary educational institutions for application or admission purposes, contingent upon written consent from the student. The bill also includes the repeal of K.S.A. 72-6314, which may have previously governed student data confidentiality or disclosure. The act is designed for immediate implementation upon publication in the statute book, reflecting a swift transition to the new data handling practices.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-6314