[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6622464,"mediaKeyId","2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1","parentId",2784363,"title","Committee backs holding of bill requiring district cell‑phone policies after broad testimony","audioSeconds",2442,"startMs",2177000,"endMs",4619000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1&start=2177&end=4619","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1/thumbnail_2177000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6622464/Rhode-Island/Committee-backs-holding-of-bill-requiring-district-cellphone-policies-after-broad-testimony","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622464-82cd68d61463ece31d50e6475dedcfde/orig.mp4?Expires=1775449713&Signature=D2GkCvW1m55~7IaHUUF4-MdKbhXxXJnMTBChh14v3zW7K3qlorYm9CvIHczqM3uhjGZONWxT9c4Q-Ms0yl0IJ~HyMPGeZy5Y1hg~hggbMix4OPBLzUx~57m9pkAUlLKC~j6Y1cIvZ3uMwziCno6fJTT4GSwpf8J~wSz5rSWbWRXbvk9stHmO-hrUfBcWLQDgdqYBG0~d6WYkbTzfxJKWwoUBA530MwlZEkjvXu1o6ogq9Yn3PB6IKZrlA~BVkzU6sGx2-NinuSuOpgyP2sETvTuEGcpHPmKTlJjuXNo6oTdBVQBE3fVhxyogZMk2XB8dHNTz0HqPJPZaNQYp~94yVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","State of Rhode Island","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","Senator Murray told the committee S 771 would require every public school district to adopt a policy on personal electronic devices, allowing district exceptions for students with individualized needs. Murray said the aim is to protect student mental health and reduce classroom distraction.

Teachers, local union leaders and district officials provided detailed testimony about implementation options and outcomes. Mary Barton, executive director of NEA‑RI, described restricting phones as “1 of many necessary steps to support our students academically, socially, and emotionally.” South Kingstown teachers and administrators described a year‑long rollout using lockable Yondr pouches; math teacher Dr. Brian Nelson said the change produced “noticeable improvements in student focus and engagement” and reported improved classroom conversations and student mental‑health indicators.

Nathaniel Greene Middle School administrators said pouches and broad community engagement (town halls, multilingual outreach and staff training) helped the policy take hold; the school reported fewer incidents of cyberbullying and improved attendance and test scores in the months after implementation. NEA witnesses emphasized that enforcement should rest with administrators, not classroom teachers.

Civil liberties advocates asked for guardrails. Madeleine McGonigal of the ACLU of Rhode Island asked the committee to add explicit protections against searches of students’ devices when administrators take possession or require storage, citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent about digital privacy.

Public‑health testimony from Brown University’s Elizabeth Burke Fry supported the bill as part of a broader strategy to address adolescent mental‑health concerns and recommended that the state provide guidance and model policies. Witnesses suggested the bill’s delayed effective date would allow districts time to prepare.

After cross‑examination on bell‑to‑bell implementation, special‑education exceptions and costs (for pouches or other storage solutions), the committee voted to hold S 771 and requested that guidance and model policy language be drafted for districts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee on Education: 3-26-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senator Murray told the committee S 771 would require every public school district to adopt a policy on personal electronic devices, allowing district exceptions for students with individualized needs.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature RI, Rhode Island","taxId",77689,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6622474,"Bill to give teacher‑of‑the‑year and student advisory chair voting seats on state education council held by committee",849,950000,1799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1&start=950&end=1799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1/thumbnail_950000.jpg","/articles/6622474/Rhode-Island/Bill-to-give-teacheroftheyear-and-student-advisory-chair-voting-seats-on-state-education-council-held-by-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622474-fc9477342352c03d2c77357fc8349f29/orig.mp4?Expires=1775449713&Signature=grV9ayZYy-keMJXDrikcKb6w9QxXuzzylJDvj2vtFdEJ6UO3FIkFhRDhtj-rkVdC2UhxHbmWt3MFb18LHogDfwo0Vl7GtEfg1o9F-rwe3QvJZaGcrTnx-9nfJC3u7QTwgfEbwj87qVpHp3zLYI3fY4qxcflFEYHSU0aMaRPCsN~RnhJnwtkZ2WuLUlTru9xu5avBR3ScELOG~Zgjx3mbGuxuXlZaoZ6pY9Bu4XB-gAJ6tBTNcxo2O9QvgXGSaHlQ8jKNRYE0LNyInhZ7IQJy52VYiaXpXTVc5UPAvrgOyLb1cMya9vj1tgelpQUvu-CTjNczNj8npfV1vjImKkr92A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator DeMario told the Senate Education Committee that S 774 would expand the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education to add two voting seats: the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year (in the year following their award) and the chair of the Student Advisory Council.

DeMario said the measure combines earlier separate bills that previously made those seats nonvoting, with the goal of ensuring current teacher and student perspectives have a formal vote on the state education council. He cited Article 12, Section 1 of the Rhode Island Constitution to note the General Assembly’s authority to enact education policy.

The Rhode Island Department of Education, represented by Andy Andrade, opposed making the student and teacher seats voting positions. Andrade said student members already participate, but voting could be burdensome: student members have attendance challenges and the council deliberates on matters including personnel, regulations, collective bargaining and budgeting priorities. He also said many student members told RIDE they did not want voting authority.

Supporters, including Jessica Vega of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and Jordan Jace of the Providence Student Union, argued students and teachers should have real decision‑making power. Vega cited a 2022 Annenberg Institute review showing several states include student voting members at the state level, and she said bylaws protect students and teachers from liability exposure. Jordan Jace said the student representative currently has “symbolic power” and deserves “actual power.”

Committee members discussed attendance, the workload for student members and whether a delayed effective date could ease transitions. After discussion, the committee voted to hold S 774 for further work.

The bill was not advanced; the committee asked for additional information including historical attendance records for student and teacher members and any draft bylaw language addressing student participation and protections.","Senator DeMario told the Senate Education Committee that S 774 would expand the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education to add two voting seats: the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year (in the year following their award) and the chair of the Student Advisory Council.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6622479,"Senator urges uniform first day of school; Education Committee holds bill for further work",0,2947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1&start=2947&end=2947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1/thumbnail_2947000.jpg","/articles/6622479/Rhode-Island/Senator-urges-uniform-first-day-of-school-Education-Committee-holds-bill-for-further-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622479-c6559fc55a50b8b9f01b8ad95efec494/orig.mp4?Expires=1775449713&Signature=RR6BQBsAQeKCwFcM8yv1bSEu73694Ly1RmbFc2fxLqtjeSd6kzJZlTtV~50~NzBrYSanTDrb9xaP4WRqCI-sXkqyFRkByrheIkvg7RCR0S8JDbpMIiOd1bblw50KWO4ArtxrmHKwrR4VqqzNz1DCIPZgUR1I-eO1hAtHrkr1NjFoaVEf~LOeMfldRzvIbADb4mF0p2pUxZOt6z~wgoCNFlKD19FVyisrLjPPmJX~vmNjCvP8-AVRY0qomORKdMFkZydEWFa~tqWlaWWNRAGf3IP~KlNmLvjoJV6y~vvgxaU8UI7Uk0hMW7gvrFOtZOKimDx76YnEHyvTEHXh9rcvZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Acosta told the Senate Education Committee that S 773 would require all local education agencies to begin the school year on the same first day, saying the change would ease childcare and family scheduling burdens.

The bill seeks only to “start on the same day,” Acosta said, and does not standardize the entire school calendar. He opened with two personal anecdotes: relatives who must miss work when neighboring districts start at different times, and a kindergarten-aged son whose after‑school program in a neighboring city could not serve him during an out‑of‑sync opening week.

The proposal drew support from classroom teachers and union representatives who said consistent start dates could reduce unplanned teacher absences and ease family child‑care planning. Marybeth Calabrio of the Federated Teachers testified, “waiting for the calendar is, like, you know, much anticipated at this time of year,” and urged alignment to reduce conflicting vacation and break schedules that cause childcare gaps.

The Rhode Island Association of School Communities representative, Tim Duffy, expressed sympathy with the bill’s intent but warned implementation has repeatedly stalled: collective‑bargaining agreements can embed schedules and districts value local control. Andy Andrade of the Rhode Island Department of Education cautioned that “this is probably the least perfect system you could ever imagine,” pointing to regional seasonal needs and charter schools that seek different year lengths. Andrade added there are existing regulations that, for example, specify a latest permissible start tied to Labor Day.

Committee members pressed practical questions about collective‑bargaining implications and timing. Some senators suggested delayed effective dates to give districts and bargaining partners time to adjust; others asked the superintendents’ association to revisit a uniform calendar proposal.

After discussion, a motion to hold S 773 was moved, seconded and approved; the bill was held for further work.

The committee did not adopt the bill on the floor; members directed additional fact‑finding on contract language and district implementation issues.","Senators and witnesses debated S 773, a proposal to require a single statewide first day of school. Supporters cited childcare and family hardships created by staggered calendars; state education officials and local leaders warned of collective-bargaining and local-control challenges. The committee voted to hold the bill for further work.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6622471,"Bill would change inspector staffing ratio for childcare providers; committee holds measure for fiscal details",358,1809000,2167000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1&start=1809&end=2167","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1/thumbnail_1809000.jpg","/articles/6622471/Rhode-Island/Bill-would-change-inspector-staffing-ratio-for-childcare-providers-committee-holds-measure-for-fiscal-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622471-386f65d817b44470e089538ffcd88a6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775449713&Signature=BuRJGNXaNTL9k2T3A7-7eIAkB5~dGOhsoSQRgEeodei3y4In-p6F-b5vUp0bQVnRgRUN-TWrPFFrNBRAtmQXtOjuC-gRjXxxvD-7D0wpcoIrb9XrLTk209UFI4hivkTLE6pSTwW3VyJuBFw-0B8TJyCyx7kl8n46bloQAkBM3zThTmyCiXp1AxlQn-IJXP1Y5a-jJezWrVdbemWG9RVUm86PBUltb7VMcWcAYGQQMYoc8W4FtBTUxJD3Vk81PpgEFVUstaLraj5u89-4~cbxF1GC0Q8GT7Odulihftg4bbBr7QzOjoxMw6qI4ASAr0J3cGO2~XHoORh99Mez8gChEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Basilian told the committee S 772 seeks to match a national recommendation for inspector coverage of licensed childcare providers, citing a goal in testimony of roughly one inspector per 50–60 licensed providers.

Basilian said the change would improve child safety and allow inspectors to do more preventive work and consistent oversight. Matthew Gunna of SEIU testified in favor, saying more inspectors would speed onboarding and licensing of family home providers and expand capacity for childcare across the state. \"We think this is a really common sense bill,\" Gunna said.

Committee members pressed for numbers. Gunna said the state had about six inspectors and estimated the state would need roughly twice as many (about 12) to meet the target; he said many current workers came from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Senators noted DHS reports roughly 80 agency vacancies overall and asked whether existing vacancies could be repurposed.

Senator McKinney referenced a DHS fiscal estimate that the bill would add 11 full‑time equivalent positions and recurring general‑revenue costs of about $1.2 million; other senators questioned whether that estimate reflected actual need and asked DHS to provide additional detail.

After discussion, the committee voted to hold S 772 and asked DHS for a formal fiscal note and vacancy information to clarify whether new positions or reassignments would be required.","S 772 would alter the Department of Human Services' inspector staffing target for licensed childcare providers. Proponents said more inspectors would improve safety and onboarding; union witnesses suggested doubling staff. The committee held the bill and requested fiscal details and vacancy information from DHS.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6622461,"Broad coalition backs 'Childcare Is Essential' bill; committee holds measure pending fiscal note",1599,4642000,6241000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1&start=4642&end=6241","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2784363-ba2c03c1bb43ebb4ad1f56667bc38dd1/thumbnail_4642000.jpg","/articles/6622461/Rhode-Island/Broad-coalition-backs-Childcare-Is-Essential-bill-committee-holds-measure-pending-fiscal-note","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622461-8c507bed50e1c96e0d46853c50d124f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775449713&Signature=W1z4M~h~f40XlGucnVOSqYxRvu~wGMFA2R~4ot54cDfQojoKHyFcvBBrpc3cxPMT7jiros-21N85zgW~Cx72-hb4TgeXoL4DE9VO9yTOgFv2UezyQo5662ORjvXVXFFI44b0pTStfapl7RnhbLRNa3-CpJoOb9Cxs8XXVEr4JM6Hos2wIaaBnDgEAIrwgNILYkLK8YGVVrkiSb0uztA~GH-0O4YKP2Ba-vxcRvUWQUkNhlkZ4kDL7o8hjHmkzrPQ8zSCBhaj7O8kqvyDdkGuYQzOPAd4TbQm0c-ptDm6qCTcXAxAZ6hOSP5qkWw2Xe6fyBIGFjsss~9yNuAgcf8SDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Vargas presented S 240, the “Childcare Is Essential” bill, to the Senate Education Committee and described it as a comprehensive package to expand child‑care eligibility, increase provider payment rates and adopt payment practices that align with federal guidance.

Vargas said the bill would lift family income eligibility to 85% of state median income, increase provider rates to meet federal equal access standards, create a new higher rate for infants under 18 months to reflect staffing ratios, and require fair payment practices including paying providers in advance.

A broad coalition of advocates testified in support. Jocelyn Antonio of the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute said access to affordable, high‑quality childcare is a social determinant of health and urged the committee to expand eligibility and payment rates. Leanne Barrett of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT provided a fact sheet showing regional states that meet higher eligibility and rate standards; she urged creating a standalone statutory “Childcare Is Essential” section to coordinate policy.

Economic Progress Institute and RI Association for the Education of Young Children witnesses stressed the affordability crisis — noting infant care averages cited in testimony of roughly $16,758 annually — and said higher infant rates would help reopen infant classrooms and improve educator compensation. SEIU and other unions said the bill would stabilize providers and pay educators living wages.

Senators discussed fiscal constraints; Vargas said she had requested a fiscal note and the committee set the bill to be held while awaiting cost estimates. The committee did not vote to advance the bill; it held S 240 for further fiscal analysis and follow up.","S 240 would create a new statutory framework for childcare, raise eligibility toward federal benchmarks, increase provider rates (including a new infant rate) and adopt fair payment practices. Sponsor and a wide coalition of advocates urged passage; committee held the bill and requested a fiscal note.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee backs holding of bill requiring district cell‑phone policies after broad testimony

Bill to give teacher‑of‑the‑year and student advisory chair voting seats on state education council held by committee

Senator urges uniform first day of school; Education Committee holds bill for further work

Bill would change inspector staffing ratio for childcare providers; committee holds measure for fiscal details

Broad coalition backs 'Childcare Is Essential' bill; committee holds measure pending fiscal note