At the start of the school year, there are always a handful of rules that will differ from those of past years. Amendments to the dress code, a slight change in the bell schedule, or a few new or fewer classes. This year, however, a bigger change was made, not just for Hallettsville High School, but for all schools across Texas.
House Bill 1481 was passed during the 89th legislative session and took effect on June 20. This bill requires all students to put away any personal communication devices during the school day. According to the Texas Education Agency, it is required that schools either “prohibit students from bringing devices on campus or designate a method to securely store the devices during the school day.”
However, there are, of course, exceptions to this rule. Students with an IEP, 504 plan, or other plans for students with disabilities may be eligible for certain exceptions, depending on their individual needs. Exceptions also apply if authorized by a qualified physician or if devices are necessary to comply with legal health or safety requirements.
To help schools implement these changes, TEA was allocated $20 million in state grant funding. The money allocated to schools is distributed according to a priority point system, which determines the amount of funding schools receive, as well as student enrollment. The funds are to be used for secure storage solutions and to implement the infrastructure necessary to comply with the bill.
Many students across the state have issues with the new law.
“I understand why they don’t want us to have phones in class, but the extent they went to was excessive,” senior Brayden Miranda said.
Students aren’t wrong for disliking this Bill. Many feel the new phone bill policy is unnecessary and a disadvantage for students.
“What if a school threat happens, we wouldn’t be able to call out parents,” senior Mason Laqua said.
Not all students feel the same way. Some students feel that this is a good and necessary change for schools.
“I think it’s been beneficial for students because they’ve been focusing on school work and not worrying about what’s going on on their phone,” senior Aurbrey Freytag said.
While some students love it or hate it, some take a more neutral side, seeing the benefits and drawbacks to this bill.
“I feel that the phone ban isn’t that bad; however, I still wish we could have our phones at lunch,” Wyatt Clanton said.
Many students find the benefit in House Bill 1481, but also feel that there comes a risk and a danger with the lack of communication devices during school.
“I believe that the phone law is good in some aspects, but at the same time, I feel there should be fewer rules,” sophomore Myah Mahon said. “In classes, you shouldn’t have phones at all, but during lunch, you should be able to have them even on campus. I also wonder how far the law will go? If there is a school shooting or something is happening, and you feel the need to call someone, will you get in trouble for breaking the law? I feel like they need to be more lenient on it.”
Overall, no matter what people feel or think about House Bill 1481, it looks like students will be missing phones for a while, whether you love it or hate it.
