HB 1481
AN ACT relating to the use of personal wireless communication devices by
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Requires school districts and charter schools to adopt policies banning students from using personal wireless communication devices (like smartphones, tablets, and laptops) during instructional time. Schools must establish secure storage areas where students must place their devices out of sight during class. The policy aims to minimize digital distractions and improve student focus during learning hours.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the use of personal wireless communication devices by students during instructional time. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 38, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 38.0232 to read as follows: Sec. 38.0232. PERSONAL DEVICE USE BY STUDENTS PROHIBITED. (a) In this section, “personal wireless communication device” means any wireless electronic communication device, other than a device provided to students by a school for instructional purposes, capable of transmitting and/or receiving data, including cellular telephones, text messaging devices, laptop computers, and tablet (b) Notwithstanding Section 38.0231, the board of trustees of a school district and the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school shall adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. (c) Policies adopted under Subsection (a) must require that classrooms designate a secure, out-of-sight area for the storage of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the use of personal wireless communication devices by
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