Technology

HB 631 revises student data privacy laws by amending the definition of "K-12 school purposes" in Section 20-7-1324, MCA. This change means that the existing data privacy protections for K-12 online applications will no longer apply to courses taken for postsecondary (college) credit. It also excludes work-based learning courses from these specific K-12 data privacy regulations. This bill aims to remove barriers to postsecondary opportunities by clarifying which educational activities fall under K-12 online application privacy rules.

SB 426 generally revises the state's Uniform Commercial Code to update it for the digital age. The bill modernizes terminology and establishes rules for commercial transactions involving certain digital assets, including cryptocurrency. It also explicitly prohibits the support, endorsement, creation, or implementation of a central bank digital currency within the state. This legislation affects businesses, financial institutions, and individuals engaged in commercial activities, particularly those involving digital records and assets.