TX SB1459

Requires all Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt written policies prohibiting students from possessing personal communication devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) on school property during the school day, with mandatory disciplinary measures for violations

Mandates exceptions allowing device possession for students with individualized education programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, documented medical needs from a physician, or other legal requirements

Permits districts to optionally allow device use during instructional time for educational purposes or during non-instructional periods such as lunch

Requires policies to be adopted at public meetings with notice and public comment periods, published on school websites, and distributed to parents; the Texas Education Agency must develop a research-based model policy

Establishes monitoring requirements for districts including compliance procedures, regular reporting to school boards, parents, and TEA, performance metrics for student safety and digital responsibility, and periodic policy reviews

Takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year