20-7-136. Legislative findings -- purpose. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) the utilization of education and workforce data holds great promise for developing the full educational potential of Montanans and in maximizing the effectiveness of state investments in education and workforce systems; and

(b) a systems approach with shared governance between relevant agencies is the best way to utilize education and workforce data while ensuring that the data is only used for appropriate purposes and in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, as amended, and its implementing regulations at 34 CFR, part 99, and all other relevant federal and state privacy laws, and any other privacy measures required by the education and workforce data governing board.

(2) The purpose of 20-7-136 through 20-7-138 is to create a strong and transparent education and workforce data governing board with authority over the linkage of education and workforce data gathered and maintained by state agencies to ensure that the data is used to benefit the people of the state in a secure manner and only for appropriate purposes.