Woonsocket Radio News Room

House approves bill to protect students’ privacy when using technology for school

STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. June S. Speakman to regulate when public schools, school districts or third parties such as software providers can activate or access audio, video or recordings on public school students’ institutional or personal electronic devices.

The legislation (2025-H 5176A), which is supported by school superintendents and school technology directors statewide as well as the American Civil Liberties Union, is to protect the privacy of students and families when using laptops and other devices for school work or virtual learning.

“Personal devices, many of which are provided by schools, are now an indispensable tool for students. Much of their school work is either completed or handed in online, remote learning is a part of many classes, and often the collaboration on group projects occurs online. But about two-thirds of the school districts’ technology policies don’t protect students from having their schools activate the video or audio on those devices for purposes other than communicating with the student, and an even higher percentage of school districts have policies with no limits on when they can track the location of those devices,” said Representative Speakman (D-Dist. 68, Warren, Bristol). “Passing this bill will provide clear, consistent protection across all schools in the state that assures students and their families that their devices cannot be used to invade their privacy or track their activities. They deserve to feel confident that their privacy is protected when they use technology that is required for school.”

The legislation prohibits public school institutions and third parties such as software providers from activating or accessing any audio or video receiving, transmitting, or recording functions on a student’s institutional device or personal device outside of school-related activities. It also prohibits public schools from accessing or using location data for tracking purposes. It provides certain exceptions, such as to comply with a judicial warrant, to locate an institutional device that has been reported missing or stolen, or when the access or use is deemed reasonably necessary in order to respond to a suspected imminent threat to life or safety and is limited to that purpose.

The legislation now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Bridget Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, South Kingstown) is sponsoring companion legislation (2025-S 0232).  If enacted, the legislation would take effect Aug. 1.