BIG SPRING, TX — This session, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott signed into law House Bill 1481 which addresses the use of personal communication devices by students in public schools and open enrollment charter schools. This bill requires all public schools and open enrollment charter schools to adopt policies that prohibit students from using personal communication devices (cell phones, smart watches, personal computers, etc.) during the entire school day. Districts can decide how devices are stored or simply prohibit these devices from being brought onto school property.
The new law provides exceptions for students with documented medical or safety needs, as well as those with IEP’s or Section 504 plans requiring device access. School issued devices (such as chrome books) for instructional purposes are also not subject to the law.
School districts and charter schools must adopt policies outlining disciplinary measures for violations, which may include device confiscation. The new law takes effect September 1, 2025 all across the state of Texas.
Today, Big Spring ISD announced that its administration team will work on a new policy regarding cell phones and communication devices by students, and will take their suggestions to the Board for adoption into policy.
According to the Facebook page for Big Spring ISD, the district stated, “Again, this is a new state law mandated by the state and Big Spring ISD will follow the law and put into policy our new rules and disciplinary measures before the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Once the new policy is in place it will be made public for the parents, students, and community members.”
The 2025-2026 school year for Big Spring ISD begins on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
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