Texas House Bill 1481 (HB 1481), introduced during the 89th Legislature, focuses on regulating student use of personal communication devices—such as smartphones and smartwatches—within public schools and open-enrollment charter schools. The bill mandates that these educational institutions adopt and enforce written policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices while on school property during the school day. This includes the possibility of confiscating devices and establishing disciplinary measures for violations.
Schools may choose to prohibit students from bringing personal communication devices onto school property or designate secure storage areas for these devices during the school day.
HB 1481 includes exceptions to accommodate students with documented needs. These exceptions cover devices necessary for implementing an individualized education program (IEP), a plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, or similar programs. Additionally, students with documented medical needs based on directives from qualified physicians are exempted.
The bill passed the Texas House on April 24, 2025, and is currently under consideration in the Senate.
The Senate also passed a similar bill, Senate Bill 2365, requiring schools to prohibit student use of personal wireless communication devices.
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