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New Texas law requires students to stash phones - starting this fall

The law gives local school boards the discretion to either prohibit these devices entirely

A major shift is coming to Texas classrooms this school year: beginning on September 1, 2025, House Bill 1481 bans students from using personal communication devices—cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, even gaming devices - during the school day.
A major shift is coming to Texas classrooms this school year: beginning on September 1, 2025, House Bill 1481 bans students from using personal communication devices—cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, even gaming devices - during the school day.
Jacob Wackerhausen/getty

A major shift is coming to Texas classrooms this school year: beginning on September 1, 2025, House Bill 1481 bans students from using personal communication devices - cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, even gaming devices - during the school day.

The law gives local school boards the discretion to either prohibit these devices entirely on campus or require them to be stored securely and out of sight while classes are in session.


Districts across the state are already moving to comply. For example, Humble ISD mandates all students keep devices turned off and out of sight from entry until dismissal bell, with escalating disciplinary consequences for violations - ranging from detention to in-school suspension and parental pickup after repeat offenses.

In Bexar County's Northside ISD, leadership is crafting a "balanced" policy to allow devices on campus but stored in backpacks or containers during school hours, while still permitting them for medical or instructional needs.

The author of HB 1481, Rep. Caroline Fairly of Amarillo, says the goal is cutting classroom distractions and boosting engagement. Supporters highlight benefits like fewer interruptions and improved mental focus, while critics voice concerns about limiting parent-child communication - especially during emergencies - and the burden placed on administrators to enforce the rules.

The law also allows exceptions for students with documented medical needs or individualized education programs - but beyond that, expect strict implementation across K-12 campuses this fall.

Why it matters for North Texas parents and students:

With schools reopening in just a few weeks, local districts - including those in Dallas-Fort Worth - will be rolling out their own device-storage policies to meet the new law. That means students should plan on leaving phones tucked away for the duration of the school day unless authorized, and families should review their district's specific policy before day one.

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The law gives local school boards the discretion to either prohibit these devices entirely