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Fabens ISD adopts student device ban aligned with Texas HB1481
Summary
The board adopted a district policy implementing House Bill 1481 that prohibits non‑instructional communication devices during the school day; exceptions for IEP/504/medical needs, a staged confiscation process and small fines were part of the adopted local procedures.
After showing a student‑produced video explaining the new state requirement, Fabens ISD administration presented the district’s implementation plan for House Bill 1481 and the board voted to adopt the policy language presented.
Doctor Segovia and district staff explained that under the new law students must keep non‑instructional communication devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds) switched off and stored during instructional time. Administrators reported four tiers of consequences for repeated offenses: first offense—device confiscated and returned to parent at day’s end; second—confiscation plus $10 fine; third—one day in‑school suspension plus $15 fine; fourth—three days in‑school suspension plus $15 fine. Segovia said exceptions will be documented for students with IEPs, 504 plans or medical directives.
Principals in the room reported limited problems so far; one principal said parents have expressed support and that charging a fee for repeat confiscations "helps maintain attention". Board members asked whether fines were mandatory; administration clarified the fines were district developed and not mandated by the state. The board moved and approved the policy language, with administration noting it was based on model language from a policy service.
The board’s action was a local adoption of implementation language to comply with state law; administration said staff would monitor discipline data and report back if changes are needed.
