MO HB3281

Creates the "PROTECT Students Act" requiring all educational software used in Missouri public schools to execute a statewide digital privacy agreement and complete independent academic effectiveness verification before student use

Prohibits software from including addictive design features (infinite scroll, autoplay, gamified rewards for time spent), using student data for advertising, behavioral profiling, AI training, or commercial purposes, and from displaying pornographic, harmful, or sexual content without parental consent

Requires vendors to encrypt data, store all student data within the United States, disclose all data collection and third-party recipients, and prohibits collection of biometric identifiers, emotional signals, or precise geolocation unless strictly necessary for educational purposes

Mandates the State Board of Education to maintain a public master list of compliant software, conduct audits of school districts at least every three years, and grants authority to withhold state technology funds from noncompliant districts or bar noncompliant vendors for up to 24 months

Grants the Attorney General enforcement authority including subpoena power, ability to impose civil fines for violations, and requires all existing software contracts to comply within 24 months of the effective date