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HB 1481

HB 1481 - Prohibited Student Device Use

HOUSE BILL 1481

89th Texas Legislature

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

PROHIBITED USE

Students are not permitted to use personal cell phones or other devices for personal communication on school property during the instruction day; including cafeterias, hallways, restrooms, and outdoor areas. The instructional day is defined as the time from the first bell to the last bell.

Devices must be powered off, out of sight, and stored with other belongings such as in a backpack or purse.

DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

  • 1st Offense - Warning
  • 2nd Offense - 1 Day ISS
  • 3rd Offense - 2 Days ISS
  • 4th Offense - 3 Days ISS / Device prohibited on campus for remainder of school year.
  • 5th + Offense(s) - Considered Insubordination and applicable consequences aligned with Student Code of Conduct will be applied.

For each offense, the device will be confiscated and must be picked up by parent / guardian from the campus office. Parents will be notified when phone is confiscated.

EMERGENCY CONTACT PROCEDURES

Parents / Guardian who need to contact their child during the school day must call the campus front office. Staff will ensure the message is delivered in a timely manner.

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

WHAT IS HB 1481?

The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1481, which requires school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices during the school day. This legislation aims to reduce distractions, safeguard student privacy, and enhance the overall learning environment.

DEVICES IMPACTED

  • Cell Phone

  • Smartwatch

  • Tablet

  • Pager

  • Headphones / Ear Buds

  • Other Personal Communication Devices

EXCEPTIONS ALLOWED

The bill does provide exceptions for students with documented medical needs or IEP / 504 accommodations requiring devices.

FAQs

  • The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1481, which requires school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices during the school day. This legislation aims to reduce distractions, safeguard student privacy, and enhance the overall learning environment.

  • The policy will be effective for the 2025-2026 school year.

  • This policy applies to personal communication devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, pagers, and headphones/earbuds.

  • No. The policy states that students are not permitted to use personal devices on school property during the instructional day, which includes cafeterias, hallways, restrooms, and outdoor areas from the first bell to the last bell.

    • 1st Offense: Warning

    • 2nd Offense: 1 Day ISS

    • 3rd Offense: 2 Days ISS

    • 4th Offense: 3 Days ISS, and the device is prohibited on campus for the remainder of the school year.

    • 5th+ Offense: Considered insubordination, with consequences aligned with the Student Code of Conduct.

  • If you need to contact your child during the school day, you must call the campus front office. Staff will ensure the message is delivered to your child in a timely manner.

  • The bill provides exceptions for students with documented medical needs or an IEP/504 accommodation that requires a device.

  • For each offense, the device will be confiscated and must be picked up by a parent or guardian from the campus office. Parents will be notified when the phone is confiscated.