Kansas proposal would link education and job data and list credentials

The proposal would have a state division build and manage a system that links education, job, and related data. The system would use education and workforce data from named state agencies and other entities that agree to participate. Participating agencies would keep ownership of the data they provide and could refuse a research request that violates state or federal law. Access would be limited to approved people who need the data for the proposal's goals. The proposal would take effect after publication in the statute book. Its provisions establishing the division and system would expire January 1, 2033.

The division would maintain a public registry describing education and job credentials connected to Kansas. The registry would cover credentials granted, issued, funded, or governed by Kansas, including degrees, licenses, certificates, and apprenticeships. The registry could not include information that identifies credential holders. The division would use registry information in tools and services for learners, workers, employers, educators, policymakers, and the public. By June 30, 2026, and each June 30 after that, the division would list credentials connected to in-demand occupations.

The division would review research requests and could provide data research to approved requesters. The provisions cover research requests to the division and people or organizations proposed to help with research using system data. The division could take requests from state and local government, private organizations, or the public only with legislative coordinating council approval. The council would approve or deny proposed outside researchers; approved researchers would have to follow privacy and security rules. The division could charge requesters the full cost of research it completes. The director would accept requests from listed legislative and state education bodies by January 31, 2026. An outside researcher's approval could last up to three years.

The proposal would set aside $3 million for the division from the state general fund. The appropriation is for the division of longitudinal data, including official hospitality. The funding is for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.