Humble ISD staff outlines options to meet new state law banning student device use; board urged to move quickly

Humble ISD staff presented options Wednesday for complying with House Bill 1481, the new Texas law addressing student use of personal communication devices (PCDs) on school property during the school day.

District facilitator Mr. Perkins told trustees the law permits two broad options: prohibit devices from coming on campus at all, or adopt a written policy requiring a method of storage that keeps the device turned off and not visible for the school day. The administration recommended the storage approach rather than a complete ban.

Staff outlined operational details: for secondary campuses the “school day” would begin when students cross campus entry points (many pass through the district’s weapon‑detection gates) and end at the final bell; at that point students could again access devices. The recommended storage method is “backpack, purse, or pocket” with the device turned off and stowed. Staff noted Yondr‑type pouches were available but recommended against immediate districtwide purchase because of initial startup cost, operational concerns (loaners, lost pouches, potential bypass techniques) and uneven principal interest; three campuses volunteered to pilot a pouch program if the board requested that option.

On enforcement, staff proposed that administrators — not classroom teachers — handle confiscation and that repeated violations be tracked in the student information system. The administration presented a tiered discipline recommendation (examples): first offense — detention and return of device at end of day; second offense — parent pickup; later offenses escalating to in‑school suspension (ISS) and, for repeated violations, multi‑day ISS. Elementary principals recommended a different sequence featuring counselor‑led interventions before moving to ISS.

Administrators stressed training and communication. Trustees discussed rollout timing: the law’s compliance deadline allows more time (statutory effective date in mid‑September), but principals and staff recommended adopting and communicating expectations before school starts to establish school‑day routines and limit disruption. The board asked staff to draft policy language and communication plans; staff said they would present a proposed policy in short order so campuses and families could prepare.

Why it matters: The law changes campus routines, enforcement procedures and classroom practice. Board and staff emphasized consistent messaging for students, families and coaches to minimize disruption when school opens.

Next steps: Administration will prepare draft policy language, a communications plan for families and staff training materials, and will present a policy recommendation to the board at upcoming meetings so implementation can begin before or at the start of the school year.