The use of cell phones and other personal communication devices by students during the school day is now prohibited at all Texas public and charter school students, grades K through 12.

All Texas public and charter school students, grades K through 12, are now prohibited from using cell phones and other personal communication devices during the school day. And school districts are scrambling to comply with the new law by the start of classes.

House Bill 1481 was sponsored by 87th District Rep. Caroline Fairly, a 26-year-old first-term Republican from Amarillo. It received unanimous support in the Texas Senate and passed 128-17 in the House with support including Reps. Angie Chen Button of Sachse, Jeff Leach of Plano and Candy Noble of Lucas.

The bill took effect immediately after being signed in June by the governor.

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