Parental notification for student surveys passed

A bill that requires Nebraska schools to notify parents, guardians and educational decisionmakers before conducting non-anonymous surveys that request sensitive student information passed April 25.

LB428, introduced by Glenvil Sen. Dave Murman, requires schools to give parents, guardians and education decisionmakers 15 days’ notice before conducting a survey that collects sensitive information from students, such as details about sex, religion, politics and health risks or medical information.

The notice will include the purpose of the survey, with whom survey results might be shared and how student privacy will be protected. Under the bill, parents may request to review a copy of a survey and choose to exempt their child from participating.

LB428 prohibits sexual questions in surveys given to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Schools may continue conducting anonymous surveys on student vaping and drug use without following the additional steps outlined in the measure.

Senators passed the bill on a vote of 41-5.