Students attending public and charter schools may be prohibited from using their cellphones on campus next school year.

The Senate Education Committee heard public testimony and discussed House Bill 1481 at a hearing May 20. The proposal, which was passed by the Texas House in April, would mandate that districts adopt policies banning the use of personal communication devices during the school day.

Several students, teachers and parents spoke in support of the bill alongside committee members who said the legislation was needed to combat cyberbullying and mental health issues, distractions in the classroom and overconsumption of social media.

“This bill is probably one of the most important bills we're going to pass this session, because this literally can free up a whole generation of students,” Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said.

What you need to know


HB 1481 would require public school districts and charter schools to prohibit students from using personal communication devices, such as cellphones and smart watches, on campus during the school day.

Districts could provide students pouches to store their devices or ask students to keep devices in their lockers or backpacks, Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, said. The district’s device policy must outline disciplinary measures for violations.

“If students aren't paying attention in class or failing to connect with their peers during lunch time or worrying about the digital world more than their education, we're setting our kids up for failure,” Creighton said.

The bill provides medical exceptions for students who may need their device to track their blood sugar levels or receive special education accommodations, Creighton said. Additionally, HB 1481 would not apply to devices supplied by school districts for academic purposes.


Some context

HB 1481 was authored by Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo, a 26-year-old in her first term as a state lawmaker. Fairly said she was distracted by cellphones as a student, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

“I remember trying to sneak my phone into the high school classroom,” Fairly said. “I think that this bill truly does have the power to fundamentally change the lives and learning experiences of a generation.”

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has urged state lawmakers to ban student cellphone use in public schools, citing concerns about the impact to student learning and mental health.


“If it were in my power, I would’ve already banned them in schools in the state,” Morath told state senators during a Sept. 18 hearing. “So I would encourage you to consider that as a matter of public policy going forward for our students and our teachers.”

What they’re saying

Greyson Gee, a technology policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, described the impact of cellphones on students as a “civilizational crisis” due to a rise in anxiety, depression, suicide and other mental health issues.

David’s Legacy Foundation co-founder Maurine Molak spoke in support of HB 1481. Molak said she created the anti-bullying advocacy organization in honor of her son David who died by suicide after being cyberbullied. The foundation championed the passage of Senate Bill 179, also known as David’s Law, to require districts to respond to cyberbullying off campus.


“While nothing will completely inoculate our kids from harm, HB 1481 does take positive steps to mitigate online harm and will ensure our students are focused on learning and not distracted by their devices for six to seven hours a day,” Molak said. “That will truly be a gift.”

Faith Colson, a parent who testified alongside her 13-year-old daughter, said cellphones have disrupted the classroom and distracted students from learning.

“Technology is obviously here to stay, but phones in classrooms are not helping kids learn and they're making it harder for teachers to teach,” Colson said.

Teacher Rachel Preston said she supported restricting cellphone use but requested the bill clarify when students could use their devices for academic activities.


Zooming out

At the May 20 hearing, Creighton and Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, said many Texas school districts have already adopted device policies prohibiting student cellphone use.

“That's without legislation,” Campbell said about districts banning cellphones. “So it can be done, but I'm glad we've got the legislation to support it.”

The following school districts in Community Impact's coverage area across Texas have recently updated their electronic device policies:What’s next

HB 1481 was left pending in the committee on May 20. If committee members vote to advance HB 1481 during a future meeting, it will head to the full Senate for approval.

The bill would take effect Sept. 1 for the 2025-26 school year if passed by both chambers and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott.

The Texas Legislature is set to adjourn June 2 with June 22 being the last day Abbott can sign or veto bills.

Hannah Norton contributed to this article.