Texas students' cell phones banned from schools under new law

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https://www.kxan.com/news/education/texas-students-cell-phones-banned-from-schools-under-new-law/

Texas students’ cell phones banned from schools under new law
by: Cora Neas
Posted: Jun 23, 2025 / 08:34 AM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a recently passed bill into law Sunday that will ban K-12 students from using cell phones and other personal communications devices during the school day.

House Bill 1481 takes effect immediately; however, it is still months ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.

The new law applies to public school and open-enrollment charter schools. Schools and districts will need to create policies to either store students’ devices or prohibit devices on campus.

Disposal of confiscated devices under HB 1481 can only occur 90 days after notice is sent to a parent or guardian. However, students with documented health or safety needs will be allowed to keep their devices, if required.

The law specifically covers cell phones, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, radios, pagers, or “any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.”

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No more Google, ChatGPT, or TikTok challenge during school hours. Students with affluenza who have a doctor's note are exempt