Cell Phone Policy
NEW TEXAS LAW HB 1481
HISD values a safe and distraction-free learning environment. In accordance with House Bill 1481, all Texas public schools will implement a strict “No Personal Communication Device” rule during the instructional day.
WHAT’S CHANGING
The following devices are prohibited from use on school property during the instructional day.
 Cell |
 Smart |
|
 Tablets |
 Headphones |
The instructional day is defined as follows: From the time a student arrives on campus in the morning until the final period of the day concludes. Lunch and passing periods are included.
Devices must be:
- Kept at home or stored away
- Turned off in backpacks or lockers
Only District-provided devices are approved for use during class time.
Exceptions only for:
- Approved medical needs
- A documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician
- Special Education needs (as outlined in the student’s IEP or 504 plan)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is HISD updating its personal communication device policy?
- My child uses their phone to update me on their after school plans. How will I keep in touch with my child?
- How can I help as a parent?
- What if my child has an IEP or 504 plan?
- My child has a medical condition that requires monitoring. Can they use their phone for this health reason?
- What happens during a lockdown or safety event?
- Can my child call me in case of an emergency?
- Where should my child’s device be stored?
- Do I have to come retrieve my child’s personal communication device if it is confiscated during the school day?
- What if a student refuses to hand over a device?
- Is the district responsible for damage or loss of phones?
Why is HISD updating its personal communication device policy?
My child uses their phone to update me on their after school plans. How will I keep in touch with my child?
How can I help as a parent?
What if my child has an IEP or 504 plan?
My child has a medical condition that requires monitoring. Can they use their phone for this health reason?
What happens during a lockdown or safety event?
Can my child call me in case of an emergency?
Where should my child’s device be stored?
Do I have to come retrieve my child’s personal communication device if it is confiscated during the school day?
What if a student refuses to hand over a device?
Is the district responsible for damage or loss of phones?
Updates to HISD Disciplinary Actions go into effect January 6, 2026
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
| 1st Offense | Device held until the end of school day. | Parent/guardian retrieves device after school and signs the Parent/Student Acknowledgement. |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Offense | 7 full school days | Parent/guardian must review and sign the *Extended Device Confiscation Agreement. |
| 3rd Offense | 14 full school days | Parent/guardian must review and sign the *Extended Device Confiscation Agreement. |
|
4th Offense |
30 full school days |
Parent/guardian must review and sign the *Extended Device Confiscation Agreement. |
|
5th Offense |
10-day DAEP Placement. If there is a personal communication device infraction at DAEP, the home campus will confiscate the device for the remainder of the semester. |
|
*For all extended confiscations, parents or guardians must select one of the following options:
- The student’s device will remain at home for the duration of the confiscation period. If a student brings a device during the confiscation period, it will be confiscated, extended to the next level of offense, and must remain on campus.
- The student’s device will remain on campus until the end of the confiscation period.
HISD will not be held responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged devices confiscated due to the violation of the law and district policy.