Technology

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2341: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- MAIL BALLOTS

SB 2341 allows eligible disabled voters and military members (covered by federal law) to receive and return mail ballots electronically. It updates election rules to let voters submit Federal Post Card Applications via email to the Secretary of State, with ballots transmitted through a secure system meeting federal cybersecurity standards (NIST guidelines and independent security reviews). This continues a 2022 program that lets qualifying voters avoid mailing physical ballots. The bill specifically applies to disabled voters who face undue hardship voting in person and military personnel serving outside their state.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires secure electronic ballot transmission meeting NIST cybersecurity standards and independent security reviews, directly enhancing election cybersecurity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 7349: AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- OVERSIGHT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACT

This bill establishes new rules for using artificial intelligence in mental health care. It requires licensed mental health professionals (like therapists and counselors) to get specific written consent from clients before using AI tools in therapy sessions, and prohibits AI from simulating emotional bonds or making therapeutic decisions. The law allows AI only for administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling) or supplementary support (e.g., analyzing anonymized data for progress tracking), while ensuring therapists maintain full responsibility for care. It directly affects all mental health providers and organizations offering therapy services in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires client consent for AI use in therapy, prohibits AI from making decisions or simulating bonds, and protects patient rights in mental healthcare services.92% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts AI use in mental health by mandating consent, banning emotional simulation, and limiting AI to administrative tasks only.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Artificial Intelligence

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7417: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE SAVE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL LIBRARIES ACT

HB 7417 requires every public school in Rhode Island (including charter and vocational schools) to have a dedicated library space and a certified school librarian. It mandates specific library resources like book collections, technology, and daily student access, with staffing requirements phased in: full-time librarians for schools of 250+ students immediately, high schools by 2026-27, and all K-12 schools by 2030-31. The bill directs the education commissioner to enforce these standards, ensuring consistent library access and qualified staff. This legislation applies to all public schools and is pending passage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates dedicated library spaces, certified librarians, and required resources, directly enhancing school infrastructure and student access to educational materials per bill requirements.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates technology as required library resource, promoting digital access in schools for student use.85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Libraries

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passed · Rhode Island · House May 1, 2026

HB 7032: 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 EducationProhibits schools from tracking student devices, protecting student privacy in educational settings, aligning with educational safety and access protections.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits schools from tracking student device location data, strengthening data privacy protections in educational technology use.95% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SB 2014: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT AND INVESTMENT ACT

SB 2014 requires Rhode Island internet service providers (ISPs) to regularly submit detailed data about broadband speeds, technology types, and coverage areas to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. This data will be used to create and maintain an updated statewide broadband map identifying underserved or unserved communities. The map aims to guide infrastructure investments, support policy decisions, and help providers expand services in areas with limited access. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn on January 13, 2026, at the sponsor’s request.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires ISPs to submit broadband data to create statewide map identifying underserved areas, guiding infrastructure investments to expand internet access and address digital gaps.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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died · Rhode Island · House Jan 27, 2026

HB 7117: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDirects development of high school computer science curriculum to prepare students for postsecondary education and careers, advancing educational curriculum standards.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyDirects development of computer science curriculum to prepare students for tech careers, advancing workforce readiness in technology.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum K-12 Education

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 7233: AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- REGISTRATION OF VOTERS

HB 7233 automatically registers Rhode Islanders to vote when they apply for or renew a hunting or fishing license, directly affecting license applicants. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Management to offer voter registration forms simultaneously with license applications, allowing applicants to opt in or decline while keeping registration decisions confidential. Completed forms must be transmitted electronically to the state voter system within 24 hours, with privacy protections for those who decline registration or provide license details. The law aligns with federal voter registration standards and mirrors existing automatic registration processes at motor vehicle offices.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill requires privacy protection during electronic voter registration, aligning with data privacy policies under technology topic.85% confidence

Tags Elections

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 7119: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

Requires DOA provide inventory of all state agencies using artificial intelligence (AI); establishes a 13 member permanent commission to monitor the use of AI in state government and makes recommendations for state government policy and other decisions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes AI oversight commission to monitor state agency use, promoting accountability and responsible AI governance within government operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 7350: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COMPANION MODELS

Creates additional safety features for AI companion technology that include addressing suicidal ideation, potential physical harm or financial harm to others expressed by a user. It also requires notification the AI companion does not have human emotions.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates safety features for AI companions to address harm and requires notification that AI lacks human emotions, protecting users from potential harm through consumer-focused regulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 7180: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW--GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DIGITAL ELECTRONICS RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT

Establishes a digital electronics right to repair, which allows for digital electronic equipment and parts that are sold in this state on or after January 1, 2027, to be repaired at an independent repair provider.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnables independent repair of digital electronics, promoting consumer choice and reducing manufacturer control over repairs, aligning with digital rights advocacy.95% confidence

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