Student Personal Communication Device Guidelines

House Bill 1481 related to the student use of a personal communication device was passed during the 89th Legislative Session and was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 20, 2025. Per HB 1481, Trustees of a school district are required to adopt, implement, and ensure the district or school complies with a written policy prohibiting a student from using a personal communication device while on school property during the school day. 

No. House Bill 1481 does not permit use of a student personal communication device while on school property during the school day. 

Per Texas Legislature Bill Analysis and Author’s/Sponsor’s State of Intent, “according to an article published by Johns Hopkins University, states such as Florida, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Louisiana have recently passed laws restricting cell phone use in schools, as research suggests that cell phone usage may be contributing to a mental health crisis among youth, affecting students' attention spans and stymying their social development. Furthermore, the Pew Research Center found that 68 percent of adults in the United States support a ban on middle and high school students using cell phones during classes. H.B. 1481 aims to mitigate the negative effects of a student's use of personal communication devices by requiring public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to prohibit different types of personal communication devices, including cell phones, in order to create a more focused, engaging, and safe learning environment for students.” 

HB 1481 requirements will take effect statewide for the 2025-2026 school year. Rockwall ISD’s 2025-2026 school year begins Tuesday, August 12, 2025. 

• For Emergencies: Contact the school office staff, who will deliver the message to the student as quickly as possible.
• For Students in grades 9–12: Parents may also email their child using the student’s Rockwall ISD issued Gmail account, which can be accessed on district-permitted devices (for example, a Chromebook).

Per HB 1481, "personal communication device" means a telephone, cell phone such as a smartphone or flip phone, tablet, smartwatch (restricted use only), radio device, paging device, wireless headphones, earbuds, gaming device, smart glasses or any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication. In addition, any device capable of wireless communication that has not been approved for access to the district's wireless network is prohibited while on school property during the school day/instructional day. 

As examples, a student shall store their personal communication device (cell phone) in a backpack, pocket, or purse, while on school property during the school day (start of school/instructional day to end of school day). 

No. HB 1481 prohibits the use of student personal communication devices while on school property during the school day/instructional day. 

• Elementary (on school property during the school day)
  • Start - 7:45 a.m.
  • End-Dismissal - 2:45 p.m.
• Middle School (on school property during the school day) 
  • ​​​​​​​Start - 8:30 a.m.
  • End-Dismissal - 3:30 p.m.
• High School (on school property during the school day)
  • ​​​​​​​Start - 9:00 a.m.
  • End-Dismissal - 4:10 p.m.

Yes. As a note, all students are required by Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code to model appropriate behavior expectations per Rockwall ISD’s Student Code of Conduct. 

Yes. Students may access their cell phones during an emergency situation under the direction of their teacher and or appropriate staff. 

Yes. Special Programs staff will provide clarification and information for students with 504 or IEP accommodations necessary to implement an individualized education program, a plan created under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794), or a similar program or plan. 

Yes. Pending a 504-committee/Special Programs review and approval process, a note from a doctor can be used for students with a medically diagnosed need. 

Yes. Student use of a personal communication device may be necessary to participate in a dual credit course under the direction of the course instructor. 

Yes. HB 1481 only limits use of a student personal communication device during the school day/instructional day. Students may use their personal communication device after school dismissal (end of school day). 

The use of a smartwatch is restricted and must be in compliance with HB 1481. Students are prohibited from using a smartwatch as a personal communication device while on school property during the school day. Students may not use a smartwatch to send or receive messages, make calls, or otherwise communicate. 

Students in grades 9-12 may request the use of their personal laptop for instruction. Please know any use of a personal laptop for instruction must be campus administration approved, registered with the technology department, and connected to the Rockwall ISD “BYOD - Restricted” network. 

Note 1: All students have access to a district Chromebook. 

Note 2: All students are required to use a district device for all tests and assessments. 

Students are prohibited from using a personal communication device during restroom breaks. Personal communication devices must remain stored throughout the entire school day, including during restroom breaks in compliance with HB 1481 and to ensure student privacy. Disciplinary consequences are available in the Student Code of Conduct. 

A personal communication device must be silenced and stored as an example in a backpack, pocket or purse. Per HB 1481, a student personal communication device that is visible, rings, or is accessed in any way during the school day is prohibited and violates the Student Code of Conduct. See Disciplinary Consequences for Violating HB 1481 in the Student Code of Conduct. 

No. Teachers will provide instructions for student presentations in compliance with HB 1481. 

Yes. A student may use a personal communication device to update their parent under the direction of the school nurse and or appropriate staff. 

Yes. In the event of a Standard Response Protocol (SRP) emergency, emergency drill(s), and/or a genuine emergency, students may use their best judgment to ensure safety. 

We understand the value of personal communication devices. If a student’s cell phone is confiscated, please know that the personal communication device will be securely stored in a designated area in the campus main office. Authorized staff will have access to appropriate cell phone storage and or release of cell phone to the student and or parent at the end of the day. 

Disciplinary Consequences for Violating HB 1481 

1st Offense 

• Warning. 

• Parent/guardian will be notified. 

• The incident will be recorded in Skyward using the Personal Communication Device Violation 1 discipline code. 

2nd, 3rd, and 4th Offense 

• Warning and or campus administration or designee(s) may confiscate a personal communication device through the end of the day. 

• Parent/guardian will be notified. A confiscated cell phone may be picked up by the student or parent/guardian at the end of the day. 

• Campus-level consequences may be assigned including school detention or up to 1 day of In-School Suspension. 

• The incident will be recorded in Skyward using the Personal Communication Device Violation 2, 3, or 4 discipline code. 

5th Offense 

• Campus administration or designee(s) may confiscate a personal communication device through the end of the day. 

• Parent/guardian will be notified. A confiscated cell phone may be picked up by the parent/guardian at the end of the day. 

• A meeting will be held with the parent/guardian, student, and administrator. Student and parent/guardian must sign a cell phone agreement contract. 

• Campus-level consequence may be assigned including school detention or up to 1, 2, or 3 days of In-School Suspension. 

• The incident will be recorded in Skyward using the Personal Communication Device Violation 5 discipline code. 

Repeated violations will be considered insubordination. Failure to follow this policy will be treated as a serious offense in accordance with the Rockwall ISD Student Code of Conduct and may result in additional significant disciplinary consequences. 

Parents are encouraged to talk with their student about the importance of staying focused on learning at school, setting expectations for responsible cell phone use, reminding their student to store cell phones or other personal communication device(s) in backpacks, pockets or purses and ensuring cell phones or personal communication devices are in silent mode during the school day/instructional day.