SB153 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Network of Statewide Workforce and Education-Related Statistics (ANSWERS) system, a data repository developed and maintained by the Alabama Office of Education and Workforce Statistics within the Department of Labor.

• System leverages existing educational and workforce data to assess skilled workforce availability, improve educational program effectiveness, and support workforce training outcomes while tracking information from early learning through postsecondary education and employment.

• Creates an advisory board consisting of representatives from education, workforce, labor, and commerce agencies, plus gubernatorial appointees, to oversee system development, establish research agendas, and ensure data protection compliance with federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act standards.

• Establishes strict data governance requirements including deidentification standards, restrictions on personally identifiable information access, prohibitions on selling data, security plans, and penalties for unauthorized data release (Class C felony).

• Requires all education entities receiving state funds to comply; system becomes fully operational by September 30, 2020.