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Bill

HB 1446

Relating to a study by the Texas Education Agency on the effects of school district policies prohibiting student use of personal communication devices.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Vikki Goodwin

TEA must study how school device restriction policies affect student academic performance, behavior, and mental health outcomes across Texas districts.

Referred to Public Education
#educationagency #texas(v9941) #email&electroniccommunications(s0321) #education--primary&secondary--general(i0230) #interimstudies(i0448) #telephones&telephonedirectories(s5657)
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Bill Summary · HB 1446

Legislative bill overview

HB 1446 directs the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to conduct a comprehensive study examining how school district policies that restrict or prohibit student use of personal communication devices (phones, tablets, etc.) affect student outcomes. The bill requires TEA to analyze the effects on academic performance, mental health, classroom behavior, and other relevant metrics across districts with varying policies.

Why is this important

This study addresses a growing national debate about phone use in schools, with some districts implementing strict bans while others maintain more permissive policies. The research could inform future state legislation and provide districts with evidence-based guidance on whether restrictions improve or harm student learning and wellbeing.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Funding the comprehensive study may require budget allocation during tight fiscal periods
  • Study scope and methodology: Disagreement over which metrics truly measure policy effectiveness and whether causation can be determined from district-level data
  • Predetermined outcomes: Stakeholders on both sides of the phone-ban debate may view the study as biased depending on TEA's research design and which experts are consulted

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

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