Liberty Hill ISD

Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, a new Texas law (HB 1481) mandates school districts limit student use of personal communication devices during the school day. In compliance with this law, Liberty Hill ISD will require all students to leave their electronic devices at home or power them off and store them away while on campus. Personal devices will not be permitted for use at any time during school hours. This legislation aims to reduce distractions, safeguard student privacy, and enhance the overall learning environment.

Success starts with focus. To help students thrive, we’re making sure classrooms stay Distraction-free in Liberty Hill ISD.

By putting away personal devices, students can fully engage in classroom learning, connect more meaningfully with their peers and teachers, and strengthen the character skills that lead to long-term success. Limiting distractions helps us build a culture where champions are made — not just through knowledge, but through presence, purpose, and participation.

Together, we’re building champions in academics, character, and community.

All personal communication devices must be turned off and out of sight during the school day. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Cell phones
• Smartwatches
• Wireless earbuds (e.g., AirPods)
• Tablets
• Gaming devices
• Bluetooth headphones
• Any device used for texting, calling, social media, or streaming

A student shall be authorized to use a personal communication device on school property during the school day only under the following circumstances:

• The student’s use is necessary for implementation of the student’s individualized education program, a 504 plan, or a similar program or plan; 
• The student’s use is required due to a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician; or
• The student’s use is necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of the District or campus safety protocols.
   

Students may only use personal devices:

• Before the school day begins
• After the final bell

Personal devices must remain off and out of sight during:

• Class time
• Lunch
• Hallways and passing periods

Students will always have access to the front office if they need to contact a parent or guardian. Staff will assist in making those calls when needed.

If you need to reach your student for any reason during the school day, please call the school’s front office. Staff will relay your message or bring your student to the office to return your call if appropriate. Please avoid calling or texting your student directly, as they are expected to have their phone turned off and put away.

Students with documented accommodations in a current IEP or 504 plan may be allowed to use assistive technology as specified in those plans.

Consequences escalate with each offense. Repeated violations may result in:

• Device confiscation
• Parent pickup requirements
• In-school suspension
• A requirement to leave the device at home for the remainder of the school year
• Possible placement in a disciplinary program for ongoing noncompliance

Refusing to surrender a device is considered defiance and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. An administrator will intervene, and additional disciplinary action may be taken, including suspension or placement in an alternative education program.

Yes. Every school will follow a standardized procedure to ensure fairness and consistency in how the policy is communicated and enforced.

The district will provide multiple opportunities to learn about the policy:

• Emails and text messages to families
• Information shared at registration and back-to-school events
• Campus assemblies and classroom presentations
• Flyers, posters, and videos

You can support the policy by:

• Talk with your student about the importance of staying focused and engaged during the school day.
• Set clear expectations at home about responsible device use, both at school and at home.
• Remind your student to keep their devices turned off and stored in their backpack during school hours.
• Refrain from calling or texting your student during the school day; instead, contact the campus front office for any urgent communication.
• Reinforce that this policy is in place to support learning, reduce distractions, and promote healthy, face-to-face interactions with peers and teachers.