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Fabens ISD adopts personal‑device ban to comply with Texas House Bill 1481
Summary
In response to new state legislation (HB 1481), the Fabens ISD board adopted a policy banning noninstructional personal communication devices during the school day and set progressive consequences for violations with documented exceptions for IEP/504 or medical needs.
The Fabens ISD Board of Trustees voted to adopt a district policy restricting the use of personal communication devices during instructional hours to comply with Texas House Bill 1481.
District staff showed a student‑produced video summarizing the policy and explained administrative guidelines: students must turn off and store phones, smartwatches and earbuds during school hours unless an individualized education plan (IEP), Section 504 plan or medical directive documents a need for a device. The administration proposed progressive consequences for unauthorized use: first offense involves confiscation and return to parent/guardian at the end of the school day; subsequent offenses include escalating fines ($10 for the second offense, $15 for third and fourth offenses) and in‑school suspension for repeated violations. Administration clarified that fines are locally developed, not state‑mandated.
High‑school administrators described early challenges but reported parental support; several principals and parents had participated in feedback sessions during the policy rollout. Trustees approved the policy as presented and directed campuses to continue communicating the new rules to families. Administration noted incidents so far have been limited and that campuses will document exceptions and return devices to parents at the end of the day as specified.
