Good afternoon JISD,

A new state law, House Bill 1481, will impact the use of personal communication devices beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

Under H.B. 1481 school districts are required to adopt, implement, and ensure the district complies with a written policy prohibiting a student from using a personal communication device while on school property during the school day.  The policy must also establish disciplinary measures to be imposed for violations.

The law defines ‘personal communication device’ as a telephone, cell phone such as a smart phone or flip phone, tablet, smartwatch, radio device, paging device, headphones, earbuds, or any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.  This does not include electronic devices provided to a student by the district.

The law allows for extremely limited exceptions for needs associated with an individualized education plan, plan created under section 504, documented student need based on a directive from a qualified physician, or to comply with a health or safety issue imposed by law or district safety procedures.

Please begin talking to your child now about this upcoming change.  Your support will help us minimize issues and distractions that may be created by the change.  The purpose of the new law is to reduce distractions, improve focus, and enhance the learning environment. 

The image below summarizes the JISD personal communication device policy. 

Click “Quick Summary” to print a copy of the quick summary guide to the right.