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HR 8345

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE USE AND IMPACT OF DIGITAL AND ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION AND ON MENTAL HEALTH

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Justine Caldwell and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island creates a commission to study third-party digital platforms used in public schools, examining impacts on student privacy, learning outcomes, and educational equity.

06/02/2026 House passed Sub A
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Bill Summary · HR 8345

Legislative bill overview

HR 8345 establishes a special legislative commission tasked with investigating how third-party digital platforms are currently used in Rhode Island public schools and their impacts on education. The commission would examine issues such as data privacy, educational effectiveness, costs, and student outcomes related to these platforms.

Why is this important

Schools increasingly rely on external software and services (learning management systems, educational apps, cloud storage) that collect student data and shape classroom instruction. This study would provide Rhode Island with concrete information about what platforms schools use, how they affect student learning, and whether adequate safeguards exist—informing future policy decisions about procurement and student privacy.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and scope of study: Determining what constitutes a "third-party digital platform" and how comprehensively to audit thousands of schools could be resource-intensive
  • Data privacy vs. educational innovation: The commission may face tension between protecting student privacy and preserving schools' flexibility to adopt beneficial new technologies
  • Implementation recommendations: Disagreement may emerge over whether the commission should only study or also propose binding regulations on platform use and data handling

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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