AN ACT Relating to applications for state financial aid;
Summary
HB2132 concerns applications for state financial aid for postsecondary education. The bill adds a new section to chapter 28B RCW that makes personally identifying information and financial information related to state financial aid applications exempt from public inspection and copying under Washington’s public records law. It also limits how long records tied to an alternative state financial aid application approved by the council may be retained, generally to no more than one year after the end of the institution’s award year unless there is an outstanding audit, appeal, or another legal retention requirement.
The bill further restricts disclosure and sharing of these records by the state agency, the council, and institutions of higher education. Information may not be provided to other entities, including the federal government, absent a court order, except for limited sharing necessary to support or facilitate student enrollment and only under a binding data-sharing agreement that bars third-party disclosure. The bill also states that records may not be disclosed or reproduced unless required by state or federal law or in response to a lawfully issued court order.
Impact
HB2132 would amend Washington’s public records and higher education data-handling practices by creating a specific confidentiality framework for state financial aid application records. It would shield applicants’ personal and financial information from public disclosure, impose retention limits on certain alternative application records, and restrict interagency and external sharing of those records. The measure primarily affects the Washington Student Achievement Council, institutions of higher education, and state agencies that handle state financial aid applications.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable committee sentiment toward the bill. In the House Committee on Postsecondary Education & Workforce, the first substitute bill was recommended do pass by a 9-5 vote, indicating majority support but not unanimity. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, so the broader discussion record is limited, but the vote indicates the bill advanced with some opposition.
Contention
The main points of contention likely center on privacy versus data access. Supporters appear to favor stronger protection for students’ personal and financial information and tighter limits on disclosure to outside entities, while opponents may be concerned that the bill could restrict information sharing needed for administration, oversight, auditing, or coordination with federal or other agencies. The 9-5 committee vote suggests disagreement over how broadly the confidentiality protections should apply and whether the restrictions on disclosure and retention are too limiting.
AN ACT Relating to protecting the personal information of consumers who use financial services applications on their mobile or internet-connected devices;