The bill revises online data privacy laws concerning pupil records by amending Section 20-7-1326 of the Montana Code Annotated. It allows school districts to enter into contracts with third parties for services related to the digital storage and management of pupil records, while ensuring that pupil records remain the property of the school district. The bill mandates that contracts include specific provisions to protect pupil privacy, such as prohibiting the use of pupil information for targeted advertising and ensuring compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

A significant addition to the law is the provision that permits school districts to fulfill their contractual obligations with third-party operators of K-12 online applications by utilizing model contracts approved by a private or public consortium, provided these contracts adhere to binding privacy standards that meet or exceed the requirements outlined in the bill. Additionally, the bill clarifies that contracts failing to comply with these requirements will be void, and all parties must return pupil records to the school district. The bill also specifies that existing contracts prior to May 7, 2019, are not subject to these new provisions until they expire or are amended.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-7-1326
HB0255_1(1): 20-7-1326
HB0255_1(2): 20-7-1326
HB0255_1(3): 20-7-1326
HB0255_1(4): 20-7-1326
HB0255_1: 20-7-1326