As you may be aware, the Texas Legislature passed HB 1481, which goes into effect on September 1, 2025. This law requires that the school board of every district in the state “adopt, implement, and ensure the district or school complies with the written policy prohibiting a student from using a personal communication device while on school property during the school day.” “School day” under this statute means first bell to last bell and includes lunch, passing period, pep rallies, and other times that fall during the regular school day.
This law requires that the board’s policy “establish disciplinary measures to be imposed for violation of the prohibition and may provide for confiscation of the personal communication device.” One of the consequences available to districts is disposal after notification to parents. GISD will not dispose a confiscated communication devices.
This law defines personal communication devices as “a telephone, cell phone such as a smartphone or flip phone, tablet, smartwatch, radio device, paging device, or any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication. The term does not include an electronic device provided to a student by a school district.”
Under this law, districts may completely prohibit students from bringing personal communication devices on school property, or they may designate a method for the storage of the student’s personal communication device while the student is on school property during the school day.
Groesbeck ISD has opted that, should your student bring their device(s) on school property, the device(s) must be turned off and stored in a backpack, purse, etc.
If a student is seen using or accessing a personal communication device during the school day, the law allows district staff to confiscate the device. In addition, students accessing their communication devices during the school day will face disciplinary consequences with each offense progressing in severity. Should a student’s device have to be confiscated, Groesbeck ISD will only return the device to a parent/guardian.
Exceptions apply to the use of a personal communication device during the school day, namely if the student’s IEP or 504 plan requires use of a personal communication device or there is a medical need. Any exceptions to this law must be documented in accordance with all other laws governing IEPs, 504 plans, and medical accommodations. For a student attending Groesbeck ISD, the campus must have documentation stating the need for the use of the device.
Many parents have shared concerns about reaching their children during the day. Please know that you may still reach your child during the school day by calling the campus front office for urgent needs or emailing your student on their school email for non-urgent communications.
H.O. Whitehurst Elementary 254-729-4104
Enge-Washington Intermediate 254-729-4103
Groesbeck Middle School 254-729-4102
Groesbeck High School 254-729-4101
We appreciate your support and involvement as we move forward together in implementing this new state requirement.