28/07/2025
ALICE ISD PREVIEWS NO CELL PHONE POLICY FOR UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR IN COMPLIANCE WITH NEW STATE LAW
By Pete Vasquez
[email protected]
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Alice ISD issued a notification letter outlining its planned Cell Phone Ban in accordance with House Bill 1481, taking effect in the 2025–2026 school year. The district will prohibit all students district-wide from bringing cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, or similar personal communication devices onto any campus during the school day.
Consequences for Policy Violations.
1st offense: Device confiscated, mandatory parent conference
2nd offense: Confiscation, conference + one day of in-school suspension
3rd offense: Confiscation, conference + one day of out-of-school suspension
4th offense: Confiscation, conference + DAEP placement (disciplinary alternative education)
Confiscated devices may only be picked up by a parent or guardian on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2–4 PM. Devices not claimed within 90 days will be disposed of by the campus in accordance with HB 1481’s disposal provisions.
Prohibition includes phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and devices capable of communication. Students with documented medical needs, IEP/504 accommodations, or legal/safety authorization will be exempt.
District-issued devices used for instruction are not affected by the ban.
House Bill 1481 aims to eliminate distractions, encourage face-to-face interaction, reduce cyberbullying, and improve classroom focus and goals echoed by discussions in districts across Texas. Experts and some parents say the phone ban is overdue while others are strongly against it.
The offense schedule and pickup times of devices are returned only on specific days. Expect detailed guidelines and FAQs before the academic year begins, following TEA model policy.
Starting this school year, Alice ISD will fully enforce HB 1481, prohibiting personal devices to support academic focus and student interaction. Families should begin preparing now—and stay tuned for detailed guidance ahead of the school year.
