Parents Opt-in Protection Act

# Parents Opt-in Protection Act (HR 4986) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require schools to obtain written permission from parents before collecting, using, or sharing their children's personal information. Currently, schools operate under federal privacy laws that allow them to share student data in certain circumstances without explicit parental consent. This bill would change that by requiring schools to get parents to "opt in"—actively agree—before handling sensitive student information, rather than allowing data sharing unless parents "opt out." **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The legislation primarily affects K-12 schools, parents, and students.

It would give parents greater control over what personal data schools can collect and how that information is used or shared with third parties (such as educational technology companies or researchers). The bill establishes a parental consent requirement as the default approach to student data privacy, shifting the burden to schools to request permission rather than asking parents to prevent data sharing. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full House vote. No major action has been taken on the legislation at this time.