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Texas bill would ban student personal communication devices during school day; Pearland ISD to set local policy
Summary
The superintendent said House Bill 1481, passed by both chambers and awaiting the governor's signature, would prohibit students' use of personal communication devices from arrival to dismissal; the district will work with the board to decide whether to ban devices on campus or require secure storage.
Superintendent, Pearland ISD, said House Bill 1481 would prohibit students from using personal communication devices during the entire school day if signed by the governor.
"It will ban, prohibit the use of personal communication devices for students during the entire school day," the superintendent said, adding that the ban would cover "your smartphone, that's your flip phone, that is your smartwatch, that is your earbuds, your headphones, any of those devices."
The superintendent said the district must adopt a local policy to comply and described two implementation options: a full ban on devices being on campus, or a method to secure devices while students are on campus. "We can completely ban any of those devices being on campus, or we have to figure out a way to secure them while a student is on campus," the superintendent said.
The superintendent said the bill had passed both the Texas House and Senate and was "waiting for the signature of the governor." The district will work through policy details and communicate them to families; the superintendent told students the restriction would begin "beginning next school year" if the law is enacted.
The transcript did not include the district's chosen policy, details about how devices would be secured, or disciplinary procedures. The superintendent said staff and the board will work through those operational details and that the district will communicate specifics once they are decided.
