Legislative Brief: Student Data Privacy Laws to Know

Under state and federal law, Illinois schools are legally required to keep student data secure and safe.

This legislative brief provides a summary of several relevant privacy laws, including how they may impact school operations.

Federal laws covered include:

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
• Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
• The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Illinois state laws covered include:

• Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)
• Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA)
• Children’s Privacy Protection and Parental Empowerment Act
• Right to Privacy in the School Setting Act
• Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act (MHDDCA)
• Local Records Act