News Stories
Texas Advances Landmark Cell Phone Ban Legislation for Schools: CellockED Offers Implementation Solution
The Texas Legislature is making significant strides toward restricting cell phone use in public schools across the state, with two major bills gaining momentum in recent weeks. House Bill 1481, sponsored by Representative Caroline Fairly of Amarillo, recently passed the Texas House with overwhelming support (136-10) on April 23, 2025, while a companion bill, Senate Bill 2365, sponsored by Senator Creighton, cleared the Senate last week. Both bills would require schools to establish secure, out-of-sight storage areas for students’ personal wireless communication devices during instructional time, addressing growing concerns about classroom distractions, declining academic performance, and student mental health.
Officials: School Cell Phone Ban is Working
Students at Taos Middle School and Taos High School have had a little over two weeks to adjust to a new policy restricting cell phone use. Since Sept. 3, students have been required to secure their phones in magnetically sealed pouches at the beginning of each school day.