By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit colleges from being required to release certain student education records to third parties that request the records. The prohibition would not apply to federal, state or municipal agency requests.

“This bill is about protecting and safeguarding the privacy of our students in public higher ed and ensuring they have the same rights as all students who are afforded the same protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow).