2018 is the fifth year that state policymakers have taken concerted legislative action on education data use and privacy issues. Across the country this year, 42 states considered 300 bills and 25 states passed 59 new laws governing the collection, linking, use, access, and protection of education data. With the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, much of the responsibility around education measures, outcomes, and priorities returned to state leaders. ESSA asks states to innovate and use evidence to inform the policies and practices that support education equity and excellence. As states implement the law this year, their legislation is clearly reflecting these new responsibilities and opportunities for flexibility. Interestingly, this mile-marking year's education data legislation is defined by both ESSA-powered innovation and a return to the more foundational data linking and governance activities that underlie states' abilities to achieve these more complex and innovative goals. This summary and analysis highlights key trends and innovative bills that policymakers, advocates, and the public need to know about, as well as a look ahead to 2018. [For the 2017 report, see ED622713.]