Colleges can't sell your voter data without asking first

What it does

This bill prohibits colleges and universities from selling or disclosing student personal information—including directory data like names and contact details—for voter registration tracking or measurement without explicit written student consent. It also bars the sale of student directory information by postsecondary institutions without prior informed consent. Colleges that violate these rules lose federal funding.

Why we flagged it

The bill's operative mechanism is a consent requirement and funding prohibition designed to prevent colleges from monetizing or weaponizing student voter data. It is a straightforward privacy protection measure with no hidden riders or narrow beneficiaries.

What the text implies

• Colleges currently selling voter data or directory information to political campaigns, voter registration organizations, or data brokers will lose federal funding if they continue without consent—a significant revenue and partnership disruption.
• The consent standard references 34 CFR 99.30, which requires affirmative opt-in; passive or bundled consent likely does not satisfy the requirement, raising compliance burden for institutions.
• Students may face pressure from institutions to consent in order to access services or maintain enrollment, creating a de facto consent coercion risk unless enforcement is vigilant.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

Who it affects

Students gain explicit control over whether their personal information—including voting behavior and directory data—can be sold or used for voter tracking. The consent requirement and funding penalty create enforceable protection against institutional data monetization without student knowledge or permission.

Named in the bill

postsecondary educational institutions, Department of Education, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), General Education Provisions Act Section 444, 34 CFR 99.30

Where it stands

5 cosponsors: 5 Republicans.

• Sep 16, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Sep 16, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on Education and Workforce · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.