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 bill mandates that the board of trustees or governing body must adopt a written policy that prohibits students from using personal communication devices during the school day on school property. The policy must also outline disciplinary measures for violations and may include provisions for the confiscation of such devices. Additionally, the bill allows schools to either prohibit students from bringing these devices onto school property or designate a method for their storage during school hours.

The legislation further clarifies that the policy must authorize the use of personal communication devices for students who require them for individualized education programs, based on medical directives, or to comply with health and safety requirements. The definition of "personal communication device" is expanded to include various electronic devices capable of telecommunication or digital communication. The bill also requires the Texas Education Agency to develop and publish model policy language on its website. The policy must be adopted within 90 days of the bill's effective date, which is immediate if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses, or otherwise takes effect on September 1, 2025.

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