HB 407: Public Education Information System - Utah

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This revision introduces a new 'interoperable data exchange framework' as an alternative to the state's centralized student information system, allowing Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to transmit data securely without duplicating records in a central warehouse. The bill expands the definition of 'student data' to explicitly include school safety and threat assessment information, ensuring these critical details are captured and shared. Additionally, the revision clarifies that LEAs using compliant third-party systems or the new framework remain fully responsible for data quality and reconciliation, while adding specific provisions for phasing out the state's direct provision of student information system services.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to explicitly authorize the use of decentralized, vendor-neutral data exchange frameworks as a compliant method for meeting state reporting requirements, alongside the state's existing centralized system.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'Authorized interoperable data exchange framework' to establish standards for secure, vendor-neutral data transmission that avoids centralized storage.

REQUIREMENT

Modified data submission requirements to allow LEAs to transmit data through an authorized interoperable data exchange framework in addition to the state board's information management system.

Added explicit requirements for student information systems to capture and maintain school safety data, including incident reports, threat assessments, and behavioral concerns.

ENFORCEMENT

Clarified that LEAs retain full responsibility for data reconciliation and quality assurance even when using third-party systems or data exchange frameworks, removing state liability for data cleaning.

TIMELINE

Added a provision to phase out the state board's direct provision of student information system services by July 1, 2026, with a transition timeline to be established by rule.

TECHNICAL

Updated integration requirements to ensure systems interface properly with state board systems via either the state's platform or an authorized interoperable data exchange framework.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill was revised to shift its primary focus from mandating a single statewide student information system to establishing flexible compliance standards that allow Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to maintain their own systems. The changes remove the requirement for the state to procure a unified system, instead creating a voluntary vendor certification program and providing technical assistance to help LEAs meet interoperability and data standards. Additionally, the bill now explicitly requires all student information systems to capture specific school safety and threat assessment data, and it modifies enforcement mechanisms to include compensation reductions for non-compliant LEA heads.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from requiring a single state-maintained system to allowing LEAs to choose between a state-procured system or their own compliant system, provided they meet new state-defined standards.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the mandate for the State Board to procure and maintain a single statewide student information system, replacing it with a framework for LEAs to maintain their own systems if they meet compliance standards.

Added explicit requirements for all student information systems to capture and maintain specific school safety data, including incident reports, threat assessments, and intervention outcomes.

TECHNICAL

Established a new voluntary vendor certification program where vendors must demonstrate their systems meet state compliance requirements to be listed on an official registry.

FISCAL

Removed specific provisions for state subsidies covering up to 15,000 students for the statewide system, shifting financial responsibility for system maintenance to the individual LEAs.

ENFORCEMENT

Modified enforcement provisions to allow for the reduction of an LEA head's compensation by 10% for non-compliance and added the option to withhold state funding until compliance is achieved.

TIMELINE

Adjusted the implementation timeline to focus on achieving compliance with new standards by July 1, 2031, rather than transitioning to a specific state-procured system.

DEFINITION

Replaced the definition of a 'Statewide student information system' with 'compliance requirements' and 'integration standards' to support a multi-vendor environment.

Amended 3/3/2026 19:03:634 → Substitute #1 · 7 edits

MODERATE

This bill fundamentally changes the approach to student data systems by shifting from a model where Local Education Agencies (LEAs) could maintain their own systems to one where the State Board must procure a single statewide system. While LEAs are still allowed to maintain their own systems under strict conditions, the new law mandates that all data collection and reporting for state and federal purposes must occur through the statewide system by July 1, 2031. The bill also introduces a vendor certification program, establishes specific financial subsidies for LEAs to adopt the statewide system, and adds new enforcement mechanisms including compensation reductions for non-compliant LEA heads.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of state oversight by requiring a single statewide student information system for all data collection and reporting, whereas the previous version primarily focused on establishing standards for LEA-maintained systems without mandating a single statewide platform.

REQUIREMENT

Mandates the State Board to procure and maintain a single statewide student information system for all student data collection and reporting.

ELIGIBILITY

Changes the default requirement for LEAs from meeting general compliance standards to using the statewide system, with a specific exception for LEAs that can prove their own system meets strict integration and compliance standards.

FISCAL

Establishes a tiered cost-sharing structure and permanent subsidies for LEAs that adopt the statewide system within a specific timeframe.

ENFORCEMENT

Introduces new enforcement penalties, including a 10% reduction in LEA head compensation and potential loss of eligibility to maintain a local system if compliance is not met.

TIMELINE

Sets a hard deadline of July 1, 2031, for full statewide implementation, replacing the previous model which allowed indefinite use of local systems if they met standards.

TECHNICAL

Creates a new vendor certification program to ensure student information systems meet specific technical, functional, and data standards.

DEFINITION

Adds new definitions for 'Statewide student information system', 'LEA-maintained system', and 'Legacy system' to clarify the dual-track approach.

Amended Excerpts 3/3/2026 19:03:634 → Amended 3/3/2026 19:03:634 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill establishes a new Utah Student Information Management System (USIMS) and mandates that all local education agencies (LEAs) and charter schools use certified, compliant software by July 1, 2031. The changes create a vendor certification program, require specific data collection on school safety and threat assessments, and introduce financial penalties for LEA leaders who fail to meet compliance deadlines. These updates aim to standardize student data across the state, improve interoperability between systems, and enhance school safety reporting.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of data requirements to include specific school safety and threat assessment data, and extends the applicability of the new compliance standards to charter schools and LEA heads' employment contracts.

REQUIREMENT

Mandates that all LEAs and charter schools use a state-compliant student information system by July 1, 2031, with a phased implementation starting July 1, 2028.

Requires student information systems to capture and maintain specific school safety data, including incident reports, threat assessments, and intervention outcomes.

Requires LEA employment contracts for superintendents and charter school directors to include provisions allowing for compensation reduction due to non-compliance.

ENFORCEMENT

Establishes a vendor certification program and imposes financial penalties, including a 10% salary reduction for LEA heads, if an agency fails to comply with data standards.

TIMELINE

Sets a hard deadline of July 1, 2031, for full statewide compliance, with existing contracts allowed to extend until that date or June 30, 2031.

TECHNICAL

Creates a voluntary vendor certification process where the state board reviews and approves student information system software vendors.

Introduced → Amended Excerpts 3/3/2026 19:03:634 · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to add new functions for the statewide student information system, specifically facilitating student access to higher education and college readiness programs. It also corrected a grammatical error in the list of authorized state board functions by changing 'or' to 'and' and adding a new item for performing other authorized functions. These changes ensure the new system supports a broader range of student outcomes beyond just basic data management.

Scope change

The scope of the statewide student information system was expanded to explicitly include facilitating secondary student access to higher education and college/career readiness programs.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new function for the statewide student information system to facilitate secondary student access to higher education and college and career readiness programs.

TECHNICAL

Corrected a grammatical error in Section 53E-3-527 by changing the conjunction between two functions from 'or' to 'and' and added a final clause to cover other authorized functions.

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