PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island house have passed a COVID-19 vaccine protection bill, and the senate will consider a bill on cell phone and digital device bans in schools. The state House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday which protects Ocean State residents’ access to the C OVID-19 vaccine at their pharmacies. The bill safeguards the vaccine against changes at the federal level. In a release from the house, the bill was passed due to concerns that the current presidential administration could roll back the pandemic response, which expires in 2029. That bill also safeguards access to the flu shot at pharmacies for younger children. The Rhode Island Senate Education Committee will meet Wednesday to discuss a bill that would ban cell phone use at school. If passed, the bill would require each public school to implement a policy on the use of cell phones on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities. Exceptions would be made for students who have electronic devices to help with a disability, or in a case of an emergency. The policy would not only apply to cell phones, but also to laptops, tablets and smart watches. The bill is not being voted on Wednesday. Categories: News, Rhode Island ...read more read less