KS HB2303

Creates the Division of Longitudinal Data within the Legislative Research Department to develop and manage the Kansas Longitudinal Data System, which links education, workforce, and health data from six participating state agencies including the departments of education, labor, revenue, commerce, health and environment, and the Board of Regents.

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the state general fund for FY 2026 to establish the division, with the director appointed by a five-member vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council.

Establishes the Kansas Credential and Skills Registry, a publicly accessible online database of all educational and occupational credentials (diplomas, certificates, licenses, degrees, apprenticeships) granted or governed by the state, with annual updates identifying credentials aligned to in-demand occupations.

Restricts direct access to personally identifiable data to authorized division staff and approved research designees, requiring all data be de-identified before analysis and mandating participating agencies retain ownership of their data with the right to opt out of research requests violating state or federal law.

Sets a sunset date of January 1, 2033 for the act and requires the division to accept research requests from legislative committees, the governor, executive agencies, and the state boards of education and regents beginning January 31, 2026.