Breckenridge Texan

By Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan

When school starts in Breckenridge next week, students will have some new rules to follow regarding cell phones and other personal electronic devices.

With a new state law, House Bill 1481, taking effect at the beginning of the 2025–2026 school year, Breckenridge Independent School District, along with all other public and charter school districts in Texas, will be required to limit student use of personal communication devices, including cell phones, during school hours. BISD Superintendent Prairie Freeman released new “Cell Phone Procedures” for all students this afternoon.

BISD’s new cell phone procedures

According to the new procedures, all students’ personal electronic devices must be left at home, in their vehicle, or turned off in their backpacks or bags when they are on campus during instructional hours. The law also applies to “smart watches,” tablets and other electronic devices. Devices must be stored out of sight and not in use during school hours. For instructional purposes, only school-issued electronic devices will be allowed.

“The legislation is intended to reduce classroom distractions, protect student privacy, and encourage a stronger focus on learning. Breckenridge High School will follow clear and consistent guidelines to support a focused, distraction-free environment for all students,” a flyer explaining the new policy states. “Students must keep cell phones and other personal electronic devices turned off and in their backpacks or bags from the time they enter the building until the time they exit their last class.”

Earlier this year, both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate passed the bill, and Gov. Greg Abbott signed it on June 20. Because the bill was passed by more than two-thirds of the legislators, it went into effect immediately.

Specifically, the law requires all Texas school districts to prohibit students from using “personal wireless communication devices,” which the law defines as “any wireless electronic communication device, other than a device provided to students by a school for instructional purposes, capable of transmitting and/or receiving data,” Freeman explained in an email this afternoon.

There are a few exceptions for documented medical or safety needs and special education accommodations.

“BISD has updated the current handbooks and policies to reflect state mandated guidelines,” Freeman said in the email. “The Breckenridge Junior High enforced this regulation last year and expectations will not change. The other campuses have aligned their guidelines to mirror those of the Junior High’s.

“The law is designed to support student learning, reduce distractions, and limit the potential for cyberbullying,” she continued. “To help students adjust, families are encouraged to speak with their students about this change and ensure contact information is correct in Skyward in order to receive important communication from the campus, teachers, and the district. I want to thank everyone for their continued support as we strive to graduate future ready students.”

There will be specific disciplinary consequences for violations, which will be outlined in the updated Student Code of Conduct.