HB 1481 Changes Student Access to Devices During the School Day

Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, HB 1481 prohibits students from using personal communication devices during the school day while on school property.

This includes devices such as:

• Cell phones (smartphones and flip phones)

• Personal laptops or computers

• Smart Watches* and other smart devices (Examples include: Apple Watch, Fitbits, smart rings, and smart glasses)

• Tablets/iPads

• Paging devices

• Radios or pagers

• Gaming Devices (such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Portable or other devices with messaging capabilities)

• Any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication

* Smart watches and Fitbits may be worn at the middle and high school levels only and used to tell time. Any other use of the smart watch is a violation of policy.

Why This Change?

HB 1481 is part of a broader effort to:

• Reduce classroom distractions

• Improve focus and academic engagement

• Encourage face-to-face social interaction

• Diminish incidents of cyberbullying and online conflicts

• Support overall student mental health and well-being

How Will This Affect Students?

Students will need to leave personal communication devices at home or keep them powered off and stored away (as in a backpack, locker or vehicle) during the school day.

This includes:

• Class time

• Recess 

• Hallway passing periods

• Restroom breaks

• Lunch

• Any other part of the instructional day, which is defined by the first and last bell of the day 

Inappropriate use of a device during the school day could result in disciplinary action and will be outlined in the district’s Student Code of Conduct.

The district’s goal is to create a learning environment that is safe, focused, and supportive, and we’re committed to implementing this change in a way that honors those values.