RI S2786

Prohibits schools and school districts from activating or accessing audio, video, or recording functions on student devices (both school-issued and personal) unless the student initiates it for educational purposes, a judicial warrant is obtained, or there is a suspected imminent threat to life or safety

Restricts schools from tracking student device location data except when ordered by judicial warrant, the device is reported missing/stolen, there is an imminent safety threat, or de-identified data is used solely to determine if a device is on-site or off-site

Requires schools to provide written notice to students and parents within 72 hours when audio/video functions or location tracking are accessed due to a safety threat, explaining the specific threat and what data was accessed

Allows civil lawsuits for violations, with courts authorized to award injunctive relief, damages, and attorneys' fees to prevailing plaintiffs; students 18 and older may exercise parental rights under the act

Exempts devices used in prisons or correctional facility programs; takes effect August 1, 2026