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House Bill 1481 - Phone Free School Day

HB1482 image with phone, tablet, ear buds, smartwatch

Bullard ISD Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy

HB 1481 amends Section 37.082 of the Texas Education Code to require school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt and implement a written policy that prohibits students from using personal communication devices while on school property during the school day. The policy must outline disciplinary measures for violations and may include procedures for confiscation. The bill allows districts to either prohibit students from bringing devices altogether or to designate specific storage methods for such devices while students are on campus.

Policy (for all grade levels): Students shall not use a personal communication device, including a cell phone, or other electronic device on school property during the school day and shall store the device in accordance with the method of storage established by the district.

"School Day" Defined

  1. Instructional Time
  2. Lunch
  3. Recess
  4. Transitions
  5. Tutorials
  6. Detention
  7. Any time, in any campus facility (including restrooms and locker rooms) between arrival and dismissal.

“Personal Communication Device” Defined

  1. Cell phones
  2. Smartwatches
  3. Personal Computer Devices
  4. iPads/tablet
  5. Wireless Earbuds and Headphones
  6. Any other device not listed that is capable of digital connection or telecommunication.

Methods of Storage Established by the District

If brought on campus, the personal communication devices shall be kept turned off, or otherwise silenced, in a student’s bag and shall remain out of sight for the duration of the school day.

 

Confiscation and Retrieval

A prohibited telecommunication device may be confiscated by any administrator or classroom teacher who finds a student to be in violation of the device policy. The refusal of a student to turn over a device will result in an immediate office referral. Please see the tabs below for confiscation, retrieval, and disciplinary action.  

EXCEPTIONS: All students with documented physician order, 504, or IEP accommodations may have exceptions to this policy. Please see your school administrator to discuss further.

FAQs