Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8345

Introduced

3/25/26

Refer

3/25/26

Caption

CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE USE OF THIRD-, PARTY DIGITAL PLATFORMS WITHIN PUBLIC EDUCATION

Impact

The commission will undertake a comprehensive study focusing on how third-party digital platforms are currently utilized in classrooms and their influences on teaching and learning processes. Among other tasks, the commission will also explore potential risks associated with these platforms, such as data privacy concerns and equity in access for students. It is expected to provide recommendations by April 23, 2027, on ways to improve the effective use of these digital tools while mitigating any drawbacks identified throughout their review.

Summary

House Bill H8345 proposes the establishment of a special legislative commission in Rhode Island to investigate the impact of third-party digital platforms within public education. As the use of these platforms has surged in recent years, the bill seeks to assess both the positive and negative implications of their integration into educational settings. The commission will consist of eleven members, including legislators, superintendents, teachers, and students, ensuring a diverse representation of stakeholders in the education system.

Contention

Debate surrounding H8345 may arise regarding the degree of oversight that should be applied to third-party digital vendors. Proponents argue that the increased digitization of education necessitates careful monitoring and regulation to protect students and educators alike. Opponents, however, may voice concerns about the implications of government oversight on educational innovation and flexibility. The outcome of the commission's recommendations could significantly influence future regulations and standards for the use of technology in Rhode Island's public schools.

Latest RI H8345 Activity

View All Events: RI 2026 Regular Session H8345

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6156

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN IN STATE CARE

RI H5161

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC UTILITIES (Creates a special joint legislative study commission to study public ownership of certain public utilities, including electricity and natural gas.)

RI S1156

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE RETURN OF CENTRAL FALLS SCHOOLS TO LOCAL GOVERNANCE (Creates a seven (7) member joint legislative commission to study and prepare a report on the return of Central Falls schools to local governance.)

RI S0518

CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE IMPACT AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BAIL REFORMS ON BLACK RHODE ISLANDERS AND THE STATE

RI S0918

SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING DATE OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM (Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study the governance structure of Rhode Island’s public education system, from March 1, 2025 to April 1, 2026, and said commission expires on June 1, 2026.)

RI S0360

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND ASSESS EDUCATION MODULES FOR DIVORCING PARENTS (Creates a nine (9) member commission to the study and assess the most effective module for divorcing parents, and would report back by January 27, 2026, and expire on March 27, 2026.)

RI H6427

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 10-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the Speaker of the House by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H5970

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI S0373

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY (Creates a 5 member commission to recommend legislative proposals for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and submit an interim progress report by January 5, 2026, and a final report by January 5, 2027, and would expire on February 5, 2027.)

RI H5810

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY (Creates a 7-member commission to for proposals encouraging a positive economic environment for blockchain and cryptocurrency, and would submit an interim report by January 5, 2026, a final report by January 5, 2027, and expires on February 5, 2027.)