New state law prohibits student use of personal devices

The 2025-2026 school year is almost here, and we look forward to working alongside you to ensure every student learns in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. As we gear up for the exciting year ahead, we want to share important information about a new state law that will affect students across Texas, including those in LTISD.

About House Bill 1481
Beginning this school year, House Bill 1481 requires all Texas school districts to prohibit student use of personal communication devices during the instructional day. The law defines personal communication devices to include:

• Cell phones (smartphones and flip phones)
• Smartwatches and smart accessories (such as Apple Watches, Fitbits, smart rings, and glasses)
• Personal laptops and tablets
• Gaming systems with messaging capabilities
• Pagers and radios
• Any device capable of digital communication

Exceptions will be made for documented medical needs and special education accommodations. Please note, district-issued devices will continue to be provided for instructional activities. 

The new law is designed to reduce classroom distractions, boost academic focus, promote in-person interactions, decrease cyberbullying and online conflicts, and support student well-being—goals we began addressing with our own efforts last year.

Built on Experience, Guided by Community Voice
Lake Travis ISD is not starting from scratch. In August 2024, after careful consideration and input from our district’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)—which included students, staff, parents, and community members—we implemented a similar personal device protocol in grades K–8. That decision was also guided by strong feedback from our Spring 2024 Stakeholder Survey. The response to our smart device ban was overwhelmingly positive. Students adapted well, reported fewer distractions, and parents were highly supportive of the shift.

What This Means for Students
Students in PK-12 grades will need to either leave their personal communication devices at home or keep them powered off and securely stored during the school day. This applies to all parts of the instructional day, including:

• Classroom instruction
• Hallway transitions
• Recess and lunch
• Locker rooms, field houses, and gyms
• Restroom breaks

Implementation and Consequences
To comply with HB 1481 and maintain consistent expectations across campuses, LTISD will apply the following consequences when a student uses a personal communication device during the school day:

• First Offense: Device is confiscated; the student may pick it up in the office at the end of the day.
• Second Offense: Device is confiscated; a parent or guardian must pick it up in the office after the end of the day.
• Third Offense and Any Subsequent Offense: Device is confiscated; a parent or guardian must pick it up in the office after the end of the day. Additional school consequences may be assigned under the Student Code of Conduct.

Staying In Touch During the School Day
We recognize that smart devices are often used by parents and students for important communication. In the event that you need to contact your student, parents can always reach the school office, and we will ensure that messages are relayed to your child.

We Appreciate Your Support
Much like our successful implementation in grades K-8 last year, we believe the new law and its ban on smart device usage by all students will have a positive impact on our school community. We appreciate your continued partnership as we work together to put student well-being and academic growth at the center of every decision. If you have any questions or concerns about this new law, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s campus principal. Together, we will make this a fantastic year for all students!

Sincerely,

Curtis Null, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools