Committee backs bill requiring school districts to send open‑enrollment data to the state

Representative Acton presented HB 528, which requires local school boards to transmit existing open‑enrollment data to the State Board of Education so the board can publish it as part of the state's data gateway. "This bill does not add to that reporting requirement at all," Acton said, explaining the measure simply asks districts to copy existing posted information to the state board for consolidated transparency.

Aaron Smith, director of Education Reform at the Reason Foundation, testified in support, saying annual open‑enrollment reporting improves transparency for families, policymakers and taxpayers and noted several states with similar requirements. Committee members asked clarifying questions about privacy protections; sponsor and other members said the bill excludes personally identifying or sensitive program information such as special‑education details.

Senator Owens moved to favorably recommend the substitute and the committee voted unanimously to advance HB 528 to the full Senate.

The bill would require the State Board of Education to publish consolidated open‑enrollment data; implementation details and data redaction responsibilities will be handled administratively.