When Texas public school students return to campus this fall, they will be prohibited from using cellphones, smart watches and other personal communication devices throughout the school day.
Texas governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481 into law June 20, giving school districts 90 days to adopt new electronic device policies, including disciplinary measures for students who violate the cellphone ban. Several school districts in our coverage areas have announced district-wide cellphone bans as of press time.
Texas’ 2026-27 state budget includes $20 million in grants to help districts implement the law. Lawmakers said districts could purchase pouches to store devices in during the school day or ask students to keep phones in their lockers or backpacks.
During the most recent state legislative session, lawmakers heard from many teachers, administrators and parents during education committee hearings in which supporters of the bill expressed concern over students’ mental health and the use of social media for cyberbullying.
Surging research from the past few years has drawn a link between cellphone use and students developing shorter attention spans and being less able to engage during class times.
HB 1481 includes exceptions for students with medical needs or special education accommodations, and does not apply to devices supplied by school districts for academic purposes.
The bill was authored by the only Gen Z member of the Texas Legislature, Rep. Caroline Fairly (RAmarillo).
