HB 1481 is a Texas law (effective June 20, 2025) requiring all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt a written policy prohibiting students from using personal communication devices while on campus during the school day.

The law covers phones (smartphones or flip phones), tablets, smartwatches, radios, pagers, or any electronic tool capable of telecommunication or digital communication.

Students are required to store them securely (e.g., lockers/backpacks) during school day-Away for the Day.

School disciplinary procedures.

This law aims to reduce classroom distractions, enhance student focus, protect mental health, and reduce cyberbullting on campus.

Parents/caregivers can contact the campus front office if needing to communicate a message to their child in the event of an emergency.

Here are some family resources currently being developed to support understanding and preparation for the new education law.

Discuss the policy and its reasons—focus, distraction relief, mental health.  Encourage responsible planning: pack all needed items before school.  For students with exceptions (medical/IEP), confirm accommodation with the school before the year starts.

The phones will be turned into the office, documented, and parents will be notified to pick up the phone after school. School disciplinary procedures.

Students utilizing bus transportation during the school day and school trips are included.

The school day is defined as the time when the student arrives on campus to the last school bell.  This INCLUDES breakfast, lunch, transition periods, field trips, and classes off campus.

Yes, they may use their personal communication device after the last school bell.

Yes, staff will receive training before the school year starts.

Students may checkout an iPad for the day for their campus.

Updated Parent/Caregiver contact information is imperative as we push out communication via phones, text messages, emails, and the UCISD Facebook page.

One high school’s “bell‐to‐bell” phone ban led to students feeling less anxious and safer, particularly when distractions like social media were removed.
Education Week Article

Research shows that removing phones during the school day decreases distractions and increases engagement. In Texas and national case studies, educators report safer, more focused learning spaces after phone bans. Texas Tribune Article

Schools that implemented full bans saw a significant drop in bullying and social conflict. For example, a Dallas high school experienced a 75% reduction in bullying incidents after restricting phones. Senate Research Center

All UCISD administrative staff will participate in the development of leveled consequences and intervention protocols. Campus principals will be responsible for ensuring that all staff are fully trained on the updated administrative regulations and the adopted UCISD board policy (currently awaiting on Texas Association of School Board guidance).

For questions or concerns regarding implementation at a specific campus, please contact the campus principal directly.

UCISD staff will model the “Away for the Day” expectations alongside students by limiting visible device use during instructional time. However, staff will retain access to their devices throughout the school day to ensure timely communication, safety response, and operational responsibilities.

Medical exemptions associated with HB 1481 are not a special education issue. These exemptions directly relate to health-related circumstances that are independent of the provisions and services outlined under special education law. Decisions regarding medical exemptions are made in accordance with medical professionals and state policies, and should be discussed with the school nurse.

We have seen through observation, data and discussion with other schools and through evidence from multiple reliable sources related to school safety, that the use of personal mobile devices at school by students has become a huge educational distraction, a source of cyber bullying, a source of time lost on instruction and a creator of many problems that administrators must investigate. We believe that the removal of the devices and especially social media from our school buildings will result in a much more productive and safe educational environment. 

Students with documented accommodations in a current IEP or 504 plan may be allowed to use assistive technology as specified in those plans. 

A child can use their device for medical purposes only with documentation from a physician submitted to the school nurse.  The school nurse will create a campus plan for notification with teachers. 

Refusing to surrender a device is considered defiance and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. An administrator will intervene, and additional disciplinary action may be taken, including suspension or placement in an alternative education placement. 

No, If a personal communication device is in the possession of the school, the school will take appropriate efforts to keep the device appropriately stored and free from damage. However, parents should note the school specifically disclaims any liability for devices that are damaged or lost while in the school's possession. Parents will not be compensated for devices that have been in the school's possession in the event those devices are lost, stolen or damaged while in possession of the school. 

Please contact your campus principal or assistant principal. They can answer questions about the policy, your student's behavior records, or how accommodations are handled.

Students may only use personal devices: 
 Before the school day begins. After the first bell, personal devices must remain "Away for the Day" = off and out of sight from entry to campus to last bell.
This includes:

• Class Time
• - Lunch Time
• - Transition Time
• -Hallways and passing periods