Texas House Bill 1481
Personal Communication Device Policy
Liberty Hill ISD follows state law requiring Texas public schools to restrict student use of personal communication devices during the school day while students are on campus.
Required by Texas law
This requirement is not a local policy decision. House Bill 1481 requires Texas public school districts to restrict student use of personal communication devices during the school day.
1
Power devices off
Personal communication devices must be powered off during the school day.
2
Keep devices stored
Devices should remain securely stored in a backpack and out of sight.
3
School day means all day
The restriction includes class time, hallway transitions and lunch periods.
What students need to know
Students should either leave personal communication devices at home or power them off and store them securely during the school day.
- Instructional time
- Hallway transitions
- Lunch periods
Personal device use is not permitted during the school day.
Students may use personal devices before the school day begins and after
the final bell, unless otherwise directed by campus administration.
Enforcement
Consequences increase when violations continue. Procedures vary by grade level to ensure consequences are developmentally appropriate while maintaining consistent expectations across the district.
1
First Offense
Elementary School
- Warning
- Teacher holds device until dismissal
- Parent/guardian contacted
Middle School
- Warning
- Student conference
- Device collected and taken to the office
- Parent/guardian contacted
High School
- Warning
- Student conference
- Parent/guardian contacted
- Potential device confiscation
2
Second Offense
Elementary School
- Warning
- Device collected and taken to the office
- Parent/guardian contacted
- Parent/guardian must pick up the device
Middle School
- One lunch detention
- Device collected and taken to the office
- Parent/guardian contacted
High School
- Two lunch detentions
- Student conference
- Parent/guardian contacted
- Potential device confiscation
3
Third Offense
Elementary School
- One lunch detention
- Device collected and taken to the office
- Parent/guardian contacted and required to pick up the device
- Parent/guardian notified that continued violations may result in ISS
Middle School
- One day of in-school suspension (ISS)
- Device collected and taken to the office
- Parent/guardian contacted and required to pick up the device
High School
- One day of in-school suspension (ISS)
- Student conference
- Parent/guardian contacted and required to pick up the device
- Potential device confiscation
4
Fourth Offense
Elementary School
- One day of in-school suspension (ISS)
- Device collected and taken to the office
- Parent/guardian contacted and required to pick up the device
Middle School
- Device collected and taken to the office
- Parent/guardian contacted and required to pick up the device
- Cell Phone Behavior Contract developed with parent/guardian
- Student turns device in to the office during school hours
High School
- Three days of in-school suspension (ISS)
- Cell Phone Behavior Contract developed with parent/guardian
- Student conference
- Parent/guardian contacted and required to pick up the device
- Potential device confiscation
+
Future Offenses
Elementary School
- Consequences assigned as needed under campus discipline procedures for continued noncompliance
Middle School
- Consequences assigned as needed under campus discipline procedures for continued noncompliance
High School
- Four to 10 days of ISS
- Discretionary DAEP placement for persistent misconduct and noncompliance
- Student conference
- Parent/guardian contacted and required to pick up the device
- Potential device confiscation
Refusal to surrender a device:
Any refusal to surrender a personal communication device when requested
is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may result
in suspension or placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education
Program (DAEP). The Campus Behavior Coordinator will use administrative
discretion based on the circumstances and the student's disciplinary history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about devices, accommodations, emergencies and enforcement.
Why is Liberty Hill ISD making this change?
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, House Bill 1481 requires Texas public school districts to restrict student use of personal communication devices during the school day.
In compliance with state law, Liberty Hill ISD requires students to leave personal devices at home or power them off and store them away while on campus. Personal devices may not be used during the school day unless an authorized exception applies.
Limiting personal device use also helps reduce distractions and creates more opportunities for students to engage fully in learning, connect with peers and teachers, and be present throughout the school day.
Together, we are building champions in academics, character and community.
Are there any exceptions to this policy?
A student may be authorized to use a personal communication device on school property during the school day under specific circumstances, including:
- Devices issued by Liberty Hill ISD
- Use necessary to implement the student's individualized education program (IEP), Section 504 plan or similar program or plan
- Use required because of a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician
- Use necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of district or campus safety protocols
What if my student needs their phone for safety or an emergency?
Students will have access to the campus front office when they need to contact a parent or guardian. Campus staff will assist students with communication when needed.
What if my child has an accommodation in an IEP or 504 plan?
Students with documented accommodations in a current IEP or Section 504 plan may use assistive technology or a personal communication device when the student's plan specifically authorizes that use.
What if my student refuses to give up their device?
Refusing to surrender a device when directed by a staff member is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. An administrator will intervene, and additional disciplinary action may be taken, including suspension or placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
Which devices are covered under this policy?
Personal communication devices must be powered off and stored out of sight during the school day. Covered devices include, but are not limited to:
- Cell phones
- Smartwatches
- Wireless earbuds, including AirPods
- Tablets
- Gaming devices
- Bluetooth headphones
- Other personal devices capable of texting, calling, accessing social media or streaming content
When can students use personal devices?
Students may use personal devices:
- Before the school day begins
- After the final bell
Personal devices must remain off and stored during:
- Class time
- Lunch
- Hallways and passing periods
How can I contact my student during the school day?
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please contact the school's front office.
Staff can relay a message or, when appropriate, bring the student to the office to return the call. Parents and guardians should avoid calling or texting students directly during school hours because student devices are expected to be powered off and stored.
What happens if a student uses a device during the school day?
Consequences increase with repeated violations and may include:
- Device confiscation
- Parent/guardian pickup requirements
- Lunch detention
- In-school suspension
- A Cell Phone Behavior Contract
- Additional disciplinary action for persistent misconduct or noncompliance
Will this policy be enforced consistently across all campuses?
Yes. Liberty Hill ISD campuses follow district procedures designed to provide consistent expectations and enforcement while accounting for age-appropriate disciplinary practices at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Still have questions?
Contact Liberty Hill ISD for additional information about the Personal Communication Device Policy.