FILE - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) (Alex Brandon, Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
AMARILLO, Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481, known as the Phone-Free Classrooms bill, into law on Friday during a ceremony.
Abbott said the law protects Texas children’s safety and online privacy. It was passed during the 89th Texas Legislative session.
Recommended Videos
According to the Texas Education Agency, it requires all school systems to adopt and implement a policy prohibiting the use of personal communication devices by students on school property during the school day.
School systems must have a written policy in place no later than Sept. 18.
The governor was joined by Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, Acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Kelly Hancock, as well as state Reps. Caroline Farily and Jared Patterson.
KSAT is working to find out how local school districts in the San Antonio area will be implementing HB 1481. We will keep you updated as we learn more information.
Avery Meurer is a Content Gatherer for KSAT 12. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Communications/Radio, Television and Film, as well as a Creative Writing Certificate. A native San Antonian, Avery attended the Northeast School of the Arts (NESA) majoring in musical theater and creative writing.