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ACLU backs student-device privacy bill; civil liberties group and some educators urge limits on remote device access
Summary
House Bill 5176 would restrict when schools may remotely activate cameras, microphones or geolocation on school-issued devices. The ACLU supported the bill; an education advocate warned it could unintentionally limit access if personal devices are included.
The committee heard advocacy for House Bill 5176, a measure that would restrict school officials’ ability to access cameras, microphones and location services on student devices outside narrowly defined circumstances.
Representative Speakman and ACLU witness Madeline McGonigal emphasized student privacy concerns. “There were 400 photos taken of the student sleeping,” McGonigal told the committee, referencing an incident included in written testimony and arguing the bill would protect students from inappropriate remote surveillance. The bill contains carve-outs for law-enforcement warrants and for location services when a device is reported stolen.
Angel Lopez, who said he is a Providence resident with workforce-development experience, opposed the bill as drafted and urged more precise language. Lopez said the draft’s limited exceptions are too broad and could allow activation of personal student devices for routine educational activities; he suggested removing personal devices from the bill’s activation language or tightening definitions and notification timelines. “I view this current bill, 5,176, as written. It will create barriers to education and barriers to career pathways,” Lopez said.
Committee members asked about prior committee action and whether similar language had passed the committee or full House in prior sessions. The sponsor said the measure previously passed committee and the House and that supporters hope to advance it again. The committee did not take final action at the hearing and asked for written testimony and technical drafting suggestions to reconcile privacy protections with legitimate educational uses.
