WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2205

Relating to a policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices by public school students during instructional time.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ben Bumgarner

Texas HB 2205 would ban student personal electronic device use during classroom instruction time, restricting access to phones and tablets throughout the school day.

Referred to Public Education
#computers&software(s2425) #education--schooldistricts(i0220) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #telephones&telephonedirectories(s5657)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2205

Legislative bill overview

HB 2205 would establish a statewide policy prohibiting Texas public school students from using personal electronic devices (phones, tablets, etc.) during instructional time. The bill appears designed to reduce classroom distractions and create focused learning environments by restricting student access to personal technology during actual teaching periods.

Why is this important

Classroom device use is a growing concern for educators and policymakers, with research suggesting phone distractions can negatively impact student attention and academic performance. This bill would create uniform guidelines across Texas schools, potentially affecting how millions of students learn daily and raising questions about implementation, exceptions, and enforcement mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement and consequences: Unclear whether violations result in confiscation, detention, parental notification, or disciplinary action, and whether policies would apply equally across socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Medical and accessibility exceptions: No specified carve-outs for students with diabetes management devices, hearing aids, or other medically necessary electronics, or for students with documented learning needs
  • Parent-student communication: Restricts emergency contact during the school day, potentially affecting parents' ability to reach children during crises or family emergencies
  • Instructional use ambiguity: Doesn't clarify whether teacher-assigned educational apps or research activities on personal devices count as prohibited "use"

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.