What you need to know
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 at a May 20 Senate Education Committee hearing, as previously reported by Community Impact. Each district’s device policy must outline disciplinary measures for violations, according to the bill.
The bill provides exceptions for students with medical needs or special education accommodations. Additionally, HB 1481 would not apply to devices supplied by school districts for academic purposes.
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.”
A closer look
"Overall, HB 1481 will have minimal impact on Conroe ISD, as the district already had an established electronic device policy. Under the existing guidelines, students in grades pre-K-6 could only use cellphones before or after school, students in grades 7-8 were allowed use during lunch, and high school students could use them during passing periods and lunch," Mark A. Murrell, CISD's executive director of operations, said to Community Impact.
The district will now expand its policy to address cellphones and other electronic devices—such as smartwatches, headphones and earbuds—restricting their use in grades pre-K-12 to before or after school, with each campus having its own implementation plan and expectations.
CISD will notify all families about the policy changes resulting from HB 1481, officials said.
District officials stated they expect to receive further direction soon, as the TEA is reviewing newly passed education bills to prepare guidance for school districts.
"The district anticipates there will be many questions and concerns as the policy is implemented," Murrell said. "However, since this legislation has been passed into law, Conroe ISD is committed to complying with and enforcing its requirements. While the district respects and values students expressing their opinions, including efforts such as petitions opposing the cellphone restrictions, it is important for students to understand that Conroe ISD is obligated to follow the law as enacted by the Texas Legislature."
Looking ahead
The policy took effect for grades K-12 on Aug. 13, according to CISD.
