RISD updates student-device and opt-in rules under Texas House Bill 1481; badge program expanded

Aug 22, 2025

Citing changes from the 89th Texas Legislature, RISD announced a districtwide prohibition on personal communication devices during instructional hours and new parent opt-in/opt-out preferences for services. The district also expanded its student badge program and added bus scanning requirements.

The full story

Richardson ISD announced policy updates tied to the 89th Texas Legislative Session. Tab, RISD leader (identified in the transcript only by first name), said the district’s cell-phone policy was revised in response to House Bill 1481 to prohibit the use of all personal communication devices — including cell phones, smartwatches and tablets — on school property during the instructional day.

Free newsletter

Sign up to keep reading.

Your free newsletter brings you what your city council, county, and school board discussed and decided.

or
Already have an account? Sign in