DeSoto ISD Responds to Texas House Bill 1481 with Strengthened Cell-Phone Policy
In response to the recent passage of Texas House
Bill 1481, which bans personal communication devices (including cell phones,
tablets, and smartwatches) during school hours, DeSoto ISD is updating its
policy to align with state law and fully support classroom instruction and
student safety.
Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools said, “As a district, we fully support HB 1481’s goal to foster focused, uninterrupted learning environments. Our updated policy will honor the law, preserve instructional time, and address safety concerns. We are committed to helping families and students understand this change and transition smoothly into the new guidelines.”
About HB 1481
Signed by Governor Abbott on June 20, 2025, House Bill 1481 mandates that all Texas public schools prohibit the use of personal communication devices during school hours—except for students who have documented needs under medical or safety accommodations. Districts have local discretion regarding how devices are
stored and discipline is enforced.
What is considered a Personal Communications Device
A personal communications device (PCD) is a portable device used for communication, often wirelessly. Examples include smartphones, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and mobile e-mail devices. These devices facilitate various forms of communication, such as calls, texts, and internet access, enabling users to connect with others and access information on the go.
For DeSoto ISD, and in regards to this shift, PCDs prohibited from visibility and use on district campuses include the following:
- Cell Phones
- Headphones
- Earbuds
- Tablets
- Smartwatches
- Smartglasses or Meta Glasses
- Radios or walkie-talkies
- Any electronic device capable of digital communicationn
Input on DeSoto ISD Operations
Effective at the start of the 2025–26 school year, DeSoto ISD will:
· Require all personal communication devices to remain turned off and stored in backpacks or lockers from arrival until dismissal. Please note, items cannot be stored on a student's person (pockets, concealed in clothing, etc.)
· Devices cannot be used or visible during passing periods, lunch periods or bathroom breaks during the instructional day.
· Devices may not be used for instructional purposes; District-issued device usage will be available for instructional access and is laid out in the district's existing policy and as noted in the student handbook:
o Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices
§ The district permits students to possess personal cell
phones for safety purposes; however, these devices must remain turned off
during the instructional day, including during all testing, unless they are
being used for approved instructional purposes.
Stephanie McCloud, Chief Academic Officer said “Devices should enhance learning—not detract from it.
By implementing this consistent and clear policy district-wide, we are
protecting instructional quality and supporting teachers’ efforts to deliver
rigorous content without digital distractions.”
Consequences for Student Infractions
Following guidance from state and local school governance entities, the DeSoto ISD will enact the following responses in the event students do not adhere to the personal communication devices policy:
- 1st offense - the device will be confiscated and a parent/guardian will have to retrieve the device from the student's campus administrative or office staff.
- 2nd offense - In School Suspension - 3 days and a parent/guardian will have to retrieve the device from the student's campus administrative or office staff.
- 3rd offense - In School Suspension - 5 days and a parent/guardian will have to retrieve the device from the student's campus administrative or office staff.
- 4th offense- DAEP for repeated violation of the student code of conduct and a parent/guardian will have to retrieve the device from the student's campus administrative or office staff. No cell phones will be allowed at DAEP.
Next Steps
· Staff training and engagement sessions are being scheduled this summer.
· Parents and students will receive detailed informational packets ahead of the school year.
· Regular updates will be shared through campus channels and the district website.
“Our priority is ensuring that students are safe and that campuses are free from disruptions,” said James Thomas, DeSoto ISD Chief of Maintenance, Operations and Security. “The updated cell-phone policy supports our campus security protocols and aligns with our broader safety efforts.”
DeSoto ISD is confident that these steps will create a learning environment that is both secure and focused. For additional information, please direct an email to [email protected].