H.B. No. 515 introduces new regulations regarding the use of personal electronic devices by students in Texas public schools. The bill mandates that school district boards of trustees adopt a written policy that prohibits students from using personal electronic devices during the school day. Students are required to place their devices in a secure location, such as a lockable container provided by the district, upon arriving at school. The policy must include enforcement provisions, allow students to contact parents using designated school telephones, and permit access to devices for medical reasons with appropriate documentation.

Additionally, the bill requires the Texas Education Agency to implement rules for the collection and reporting of data on the effectiveness of these policies, which will be published annually until 2030. The report will assess the impact of the policies on student behavior, mental health, and disciplinary incidents, as well as gather opinions from students and district employees. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

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