New Legislative Update regarding electronic devices for the upcoming school year.

Hardin Independent School District

P.O. Box 330

Hardin, Texas 77561

Parents/Guardians:

We want you to be aware of new legislation voted into law during this Texas legislative session. The new requirement will take effect for the upcoming school year, prohibiting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices on school property.  This new legislative measure requires that we develop policies that restrict and impose consequences for device use during the school day.  We are waiting on more guidance from TEA and legal counsel to assist with this process development, but wanted to ensure that you are aware of this upcoming change.  More information will be shared with all students and families as soon as possible and will be included in the student handbook. At this time, we know that the policy must prohibit the use of cell phones, smart watches, personal laptops or other electronic devices including use of wireless earbuds during the school day and must be in place for the upcoming school year.  Please see below for more information about HB 1481.

House Bill 1481, also known as the "Student Cell Phone Use Policy" bill, requires Texas public and charter schools to prohibit student use of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. This means schools will need to implement policies that restrict cell phone use during instructional time. "Instructional time" is defined as the period between the official start and end times of a scheduled day, as determined by the school's bell schedule. This definition applies regardless of whether direct instruction is occurring. The bill emphasizes that these policies must require a secure, out-of-sight area for storing devices during instructional time. 

• What it does:
  HB 1481 mandates that school districts and charter schools create policies to prevent students from using personal devices like cell phones, tablets, laptops and smartwatches during instructional hours. 

• What's considered a personal device?
  The bill defines "personal wireless communication device" as any device, other than those provided by the school for educational purposes, capable of transmitting or receiving data, including cell phones, text messaging devices, laptops, and tablets. 

• Implementation:
  School districts and charter schools are required to develop and adopt these policies, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will provide model language for these policies. 

• Storage:
  The policies must address the storage of devices, either by prohibiting them on campus or designating a secure, out-of-sight area for them. 

• Effective date:
  The law takes effect September 1, 2025. 

• Purpose:
  The bill aims to minimize distractions, promote better social interaction, reduce cyberbullying, and encourage healthy boundaries regarding technology use during school hours.