Texas bill banning students from using cell phones in school signed by Gov. Abbott

House Bill 1481 requires public school districts or open-enrollment charter school to adopt and implement policies prohibiting students from using a "personal communication device" in the course of school hours.

Under the bill, the school would either have to prohibit students from bringing devices on campus, or provide a way for the student to store the device while on school property.

The policy also requires schools to have punishments in place for students who are found using the devices.

The lists of banned personal communication devices includes cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices or any other electronic devices "capable of telecommunication or digital communication." The bill makes exceptions for devices provided by the school.

There are also exceptions for devices needed for an education program, if a student has a doctor's note or if it is necessary to comply with health or safety requirements or the school's safety protocols.

The House approved the bill 128 to 17 with two not voting. The Senate passed the bill by a 31 to 0 vote.

Gov. Abbott signed the bill into law on June 20.

Because the bill was passed by more than a two-thirds vote in both chambers, the law took effect immediately.

School boards have 90 days to adopt the cell phone policy.

Big picture view:

School leaders say cell phones have led to issues with distractions and bullying.

Several school districts have implemented cell phone restrictions in recent years. 

Some, like Richardson ISD in North Texas, require students to lock away their phones in Yondr pouches. Richardson ISD's superintendent reported that 85 percent of teachers said they got more instructional time back with a cell phone-free environment.

Sanger ISD released  information on their Facebook page earlier this week: “We want to inform you about a new state law that will impact all public schools across Texas, including Sanger ISD. Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 1481 into law, which prohibits K–12 students from using personal digital devices other than district-issued technology—such as cell phones and smartwatches—during school hours.

Please note: This is not a local district decision; it is now state law and will go into effect at the start of the 2025–2026 school year.

While the law provides some flexibility for districts in implementation—such as permitting use during extracurricular activities or offering secure storage options—Sanger ISD is currently reviewing our options and awaiting additional guidance from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

We will share more information with families as we receive further guidance and finalize our district’s plan. For now, we want to make you aware that students will not be allowed to use personal digital devices other than district-issued ones during the school day beginning in 2025–2026, in accordance with HB 1481.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to comply with state law and maintain a focused, distraction-free learning environment for all students.”