Technology

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 23, 2026

SB 3338: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- IMPERSONATION AND IDENTITY FRAUD

Protects individuals and businesses from those who knowingly impersonate an entity with the intent of facilitating fraud. This act would also protect individuals and businesses from digital forgery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by protecting victims from impersonation and digital fraud, enhancing legal safeguards against identity theft.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances cybersecurity and protects against digital fraud and forgery, strengthening digital safety.90% confidence

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 3228: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- AUTOMATED TRAFFIC VIOLATION MONETARY SYSTEMS

This bill extends the authorization for "Don't Block the Box" automated traffic cameras in New Jersey from January 2027 to January 2030. It allows state and local governments to continue using these sensors to detect vehicles that block intersections, provided the systems are approved for accuracy and can capture license plate images. The legislation maintains existing rules that prohibit using the collected data for tracking individuals or selling information to third parties, while also restricting private company payments to equipment fees rather than revenue sharing.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill extends authorization for automated traffic systems while explicitly protecting data privacy and prohibiting data sales, aligning with consumer protection and digital rights.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill extends authorization for automated traffic cameras to improve intersection safety and reduce gridlock, enhancing transportation safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 3201: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- NOMINATION OF PARTY AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES

SB 3201 amends election laws to allow voters to electronically sign nomination papers for party and independent candidates through a new online portal. The bill also clarifies rules for preparing and distributing these papers, such as combining candidates from the same party on single sheets and ensuring names match official voting lists. While the specific number of signatures required varies by office, the legislation confirms that electronic signatures collected via the portal will count toward these totals. These changes directly affect candidates seeking nomination and the voters who endorse them, streamlining the process while maintaining existing signature requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill introduces an online portal for electronic signatures, expanding digital access and modernizing election processes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Digital Government

Track

passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8445: HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 19-25, 2026, TO BE "NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill officially designates April 19-25, 2026, as "National Library Week" throughout Rhode Island. It aims to recognize the role of libraries in providing community resources, internet access, and inclusive services to residents. The resolution thanks library staff for their work and encourages the public to visit libraries during the designated week. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to the state's Office of Library and Information Services and all local libraries.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes internet access and digital equity by recognizing libraries as community resource hubs.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

Track

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 3256: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PUBLIC HEALTH DATA PRIVACY AND PROTECTION ACT

Creates the public health data privacy and protection act to regulate the reporting of information relating to reportable disease data in the possession of the department of health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects public health data privacy, safeguarding patient rights and strengthening health information security.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly strengthens data privacy protections for public health information, aligning with the indicator of protecting data privacy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Data Privacy

Track

in committee · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 8486: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- OPEN MEETINGS

HB 8486 authorizes the committees of the Rhode Island General Assembly to allow members of the public to provide testimony remotely during meetings. Under this bill, individuals can participate via electronic communication, such as telephone conferencing or videoconferencing, provided that remote participants are audible and visible to those present in the room. The legislation also includes specific requirements for public notice when videoconferencing is used and ensures that a quorum of the committee members must be participating for the meeting to proceed. This change aims to increase accessibility for the public without altering the existing rules regarding closed sessions or disruptive conduct.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enables remote public testimony via video/phone, expanding digital access and participation in government.85% confidence

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2766: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- RHODE ISLAND DELETE ACT

Requires any entity that knowingly collects, shares or sells to third parties the personal data of a consumer to register with the department of business regulations and permits for the consumer to request deletion of the personal data.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy by requiring entities to register when selling consumer data and enabling deletion requests, protecting digital rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 7895: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SAFE SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY ACT OF 2026

HB 7895 proposes the Safe School Technology Act of 2026, which would establish new regulations for technology use in schools. The bill directly affects school districts, educational institutions, and technology vendors by setting standards for implementing surveillance and monitoring systems in educational settings. Key provisions would likely include guidelines for data privacy, requirements for parental notification, and standards for how student information is collected and stored through school technology systems. This legislation aims to create a framework for balancing safety concerns with privacy rights in the digital school environment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes regulations for technology use in schools focusing on data privacy and parental notification, protecting student information through standardized guidelines.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SB 2786: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- STUDENT COMPUTER DEVICE PRIVACY

Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects student privacy by limiting location data access, enhancing educational environment and trust in schools85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects student location data privacy by restricting institutional access to device tracking data, aligning with data privacy and digital rights protections.90% confidence

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SB 2852: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ACT

Allows patients to authorize providers to email medical notes or records, requires written consent acknowledging risks, and ensures compliance with HIPAA while expanding delivery options beyond fax or in-person pickup.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by enabling secure electronic access to medical records, improving healthcare delivery options and privacy compliance.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens patient data privacy by formalizing secure electronic communication methods for healthcare records while maintaining HIPAA compliance.75% confidence

Track