The bill, H.B. No. 1481, amends Section 37.082 of the Education Code to establish new policies regarding student use of personal communication devices in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. The legislation mandates that school boards or governing bodies adopt a written policy that prohibits students from using personal communication devices during the school day, while allowing for certain exceptions. The policy must include disciplinary measures for violations and may allow for the confiscation of devices. Additionally, it provides guidelines for how schools can manage the storage of these devices and outlines the process for disposing of confiscated devices after notifying parents.

Key insertions in the bill include the definition of "personal communication device" to encompass a broader range of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. The bill also specifies that the policy must authorize the use of personal communication devices for students with documented needs, such as those requiring accommodations for individualized education programs or health and safety requirements. Furthermore, the Texas Education Agency is tasked with developing model policy language to assist school districts in compliance. The bill requires that these policies be adopted within 90 days of the act's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: Education Code 37.082 (Education Code 37)
Engrossed: Education Code 37.082 (Education Code 37)