Alice ISD to keep dress code; will convene committee to implement new state limits on personal device use

Alice ISD announced no changes to the elementary and secondary student dress code for 2025–26; the handbook will present details to the board in July.

District staff also briefed trustees on House Bill 1481, a state law that restricts student use of personal devices during instructional hours in public and charter K–12 schools. Staff said the devices covered include cell phones, smartwatches and tablets and that the district will receive guidance from TASB on updating local and state policy language. Alice ISD will form a committee to evaluate communication and implementation of the new policy, staff said.

Exceptions to the device restrictions will be made for students with documented medical or safety accommodations (for example, Individualized Education Programs or Section 504 plans). Staff said the law’s stated purposes include reducing in‑class distractions, addressing student mental health concerns and reducing cyberbullying.

The board did not vote on the dress code at the meeting; staff indicated the handbook and local policy language reflecting HB 1481 will come forward in July for formal action.