House Bill 1481 requires state school boards to pass policies banning cellphone use during school.
The bill allows for an exception if the school provides an electronic device to the student for instructional purposes.
Local district leaders would have to establish standards for storing cell phones during class and set discipline procedures for those who break the rules.
Richardson ISD is among some school districts that have already implemented cell phone bans. Lake Highlands High School, which is in the district, enforces the rule by having students put phones in pouches that are magnetically sealed at the start of the day and are unlocked by special devices at dismissal.
HB 1481 was among 334 bills the governor signed into law Friday, including Senate Bill 17 protecting state lands from purchase by foreign adversaries, House Bill 40 expanding the jurisdiction of Texas business courts and House Bill 18 enhancing access to rural health care, according to the release.
This includes other bills related to education, such as House Bill 27, which requires all Texas public high school students to complete a one-half credit course in personal financial literacy, and Senate Bill 10, requiring every classroom in the state’s public schools to display the Ten Commandments.
For the 89th Regular Legislative Session, the sign or veto period lasts through Sunday, according to the release.
Dallas Morning News staff writer Talia Richman contributed to this report.
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