House Bill 1481 was passed by state lawmakers during the 89th Legislative session prohibiting students across Texas from using personal communication devices during the school day. At the July 28, 2025, regular meeting, GCISD updated its existing policy to be in compliance with the new law.
GCISD has made available answers to frequently asked questions, but families should know that the new law is effective immediately and applies to:
telephones,
cellphones such as a smart phones or flip phones,
tablets,
smartwatches,
radio devices,
paging devices, or
any other electronic [telecommunications] device capable of telecommunication or digital communication
All students must now store their devices during the instructional day, which begins at the beginning of the first instructional period of the day and ends at the end of the last instructional period of the day.
Electronic devices provided to a student by a school district are permitted.
In GCISD, students will be allowed to wear a personal smartwatch only for the purposes of checking time. If a student is found using a smartwatch to send or receive messages, make calls, or otherwise communicate, the device will be confiscated and treated the same as other personal communication devices. Devices will also be allowed for students who need them as part of their individualized education program, a 504 plan, or a similar program or plan.
This marks a change from GCISD’s policy adopted in 2024, which allowed flexibility for middle and high school students to use their devices during specific times of the school day. This is no longer permitted due to the requirements of the new state law.
HB 1481 also requires school districts to establish disciplinary measures for violations, including confiscation. GCISD will outline these measures in the Student-Parent Handbook.