About Us » Cell Phones & Personal Communication Devices

Cell Phones & Personal Communication Devices

During the 2025 legislative session, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1481, which requires all public school districts in Texas to prohibit students from using personal communication devices while on school property during the school day. The bill was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.

 

 

New Deal ISD Policy:

HB 1481 requires the school district to adopt a formal policy prohibiting the use of personal communication devices on school property during the school day. These devices include (using the text of the law):

  • Telephones

  • Cell Phones (such as a smartphones or flip phones)

  • Earbuds and Earphones

  • Tablets/Personal Laptops & Computers

  • Smartwatches

  • Gaming, Radio, Texting, and Paging Devices

  • Smart Glasses

     

  • Any other device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.

Electronic devices provided to a student by a school district or campus are permitted.

The district's formal policy is in the process of development and adoption. In the meantime, the rules on this webpage apply.

 

 

School Rules:

Starting the first day of class for the 2025-2026 school year, New Deal ISD students are not allowed to use personally owned communication devices during the school day while on school property. Students are allowed to bring devices to school, but they must store them in their backpacks, purses, or lockers (if one is assigned).

The law provides for exceptions in very limited circumstances for students who have: a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician, an accommodation in a 504 plan or a special education IEP. Families should coordinate with their school nurse or the special services department regarding the limited allowable exceptions.

Disciplinary Actions:

The law requires school districts to create disciplinary consequences for students who violate the prohibition of using personal communication devices at school. The following actions are in place in New Deal ISD until the district adopts and publishes its formal policy:

  • 1st Offense: Parent Notification; Device is held until the end of day

  • 2nd Offense: Parent Notification; 1 day Detention

  • 3rd Offense:  Parent Notification; 2 days Detention

  • 4th Offense:  Parent Notification; 1 day of ISS

  • 5th Offense:  Parent Notification; 3 days of ISS 

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