Proposed Missouri Bill Targets Student Surveys in Schools

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - A new proposal in the Missouri legislature could change how public schools conduct student surveys.

Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, says she introduced the bill after concerns were raised about inappropriate survey questions being distributed to students at a Missouri school. Coleman says the legislation is meant to reinforce existing federal protections that limit what personal information schools can request from students. Under the proposal, schools could face fines if they collect protected information without following proper procedures. The bill would establish a $500 fine per occurrence for negligent violations and a $2,000 fine for intentional violations. The measure received its first hearing in a Missouri Senate committee this week.

If approved, it would require all state-funded schools, including charter schools, to provide parents with at least 24 hours’ notice, share the full survey in advance, and obtain written parental consent for surveys involving sensitive topics covered by the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment.