Missouri schools would require privacy agreements and reviews for student software

Before students could use school software, school agencies would need a statewide privacy agreement and an independent review of its academic value. This covers software provided free or for a fee for student use in Missouri public schools, including school activities. The review must show measurable learning value and use public methods; the evaluator must have no financial or contract relationship with the vendor. The agreement and review would be required before software is installed, assigned, recommended, or otherwise made available to students.

The statewide agreement would restrict how software handles student information and what features and content it may provide. The rules cover software used by students in Missouri public schools and the student information it collects or generates. Software could provide covered sexual or health-related material only with affirmative written parent consent obtained by the school agency under applicable rules or law. This applies to core and supplemental material, links, and AI-generated or recommended content. Some sensitive data collection would be allowed only when strictly necessary for an educational purpose and disclosed in the agreement. Existing software contracts would have to meet the requirements within 24 months after the section takes effect.

The state board would audit school agencies and vendors, require corrections, and publish a list of software meeting the agreement and review requirements. These duties cover Missouri public school agencies and vendors providing software for student use. A school agency found out of compliance would have to stop using the software and correct the problem; the board could withhold state technology funds until corrections are complete. Parents or guardians could complain to the board. The attorney general could investigate and seek court orders or civil penalties. School agency audits would occur at least once every three years, with additional spot checks as needed.