House Bill 1481 Regarding Student Use of Communication Devices at School
In accordance with state law, CACS prohibits the use of a personal communication device (such
as cell phones, tablets, earpieces, and smartwatches) while on school property during the
academic instructional school day.
The use of cell phones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker
rooms or restroom areas while at school during the academic school day.
The use of personal communication devices—including but not limited to cell phones,
smartwatches, tablets, and earbuds—is strictly prohibited on school property during the
academic instructional day. This prohibition remains in effect throughout the school day while
on campus, including during lunch periods.
Students are required to store them out of sight in a backpack before the academic instructional
school day begins. Personal communication devices should not be visible, heard, or used at any
time during the school day, including in hallways, restrooms, and during transitions between
classes, unless specifically authorized by a campus administrator for educational or medical
purposes.
If a student uses a personal communication device without authorization during the academic
instructional school day, the student will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of
Conduct.
UIL activities and school-sponsored clubs will hold students to a higher standard. Participation
in these extracurricular programs is a privilege, and additional consequences may be assigned
by coaches, sponsors, or program leaders—separate from the consequences issued through the
school office.
Consequences
1st Offense:
● The device is confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day.
● Parents/guardians are notified via email.
2nd Offense:
● Device is confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian.
● Parents/guardians are notified via email.
3rd Offense:
● Device is confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian.
● Parents/guardians are notified via phone call.
● Students receive 1 day of In-School Suspension (ISS) beginning the next school day after
the violation.
4th Offense:
● Device is confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian.
● Parents/guardians are notified via phone call.
● Students receive 3 days of ISS beginning the next school day after the violation.
● Students are prohibited from bringing any personal communication device to campus for
the remainder of the school year.
5th Offense:
● Device is confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian.
● Parents/guardians are notified via phone call.
● Students are prohibited from bringing any personal communication device to campus for
the remainder of the school year.
● Student is placed in the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) or is
assigned additional days of ISS based on grade level:
● Elementary (K–4): 5 days ISS
● Intermediate/Secondary (5–12): 5 days DAEP
Beyond 5th Offense:
● All consequences from the 5th offense apply.
● Additional days of ISS (Elementary) or DAEP (Intermediate/Secondary) will be assigned
as appropriate.
Confiscated communication devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s parent
will be disposed of after the notice required by law. Communication devices may be retrieved
from the campus principal's office between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m.
In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal communication
device may be searched by authorized personnel.
The district is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen communication devices.