Gov. Greg Abbott visited Amarillo ISD’s AmTech Career Academy on Friday, Aug. 1 to sign House Bill 1481, a new state law requiring Texas public schools to adopt policies limiting student smartphone use during instructional time.
Surrounded by students, educators and local leaders, Abbott said the law will help address growing concerns about classroom distractions, digital addiction and student well-being.
“This law gives schools the tools to help students focus on learning and protects them from the growing harms of overexposure to screens and social media,” Abbott said. “And more importantly, it returns control to parents.”
Abbott was joined by state Rep. Caroline Fairly of Amarillo — the bill’s author — as well as House Speaker Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, Rep. Jared Patterson of Frisco, Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock, Amarillo ISD Superintendent Dr. Deidre Parish and Amarillo High School teacher Mellessa Denny.
The legislation, which goes into effect during the 2025–2026 school year, requires all public and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas to establish campus policies that either collect and store students’ personal communication devices during the day or ban them outright. The law applies to smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, pagers, radios and similar devices.
Abbott said House Bill 1481 is one part of a larger strategy to protect students and restore order in Texas classrooms.
“We’ve increased funding for school safety, we’ve expanded mental health services, and we’re even exploring new technologies — like drones — to keep campuses secure,” Abbott said. “Some of those tools are being developed right here at AmTech.”
He also signed Senate Bill 2420, which requires app stores to verify users’ ages and obtain parental consent before minors can download apps or make in-app purchases — a measure he described as critical to fighting online exploitation.
“These bills work together,” Abbott said. “One limits distractions in the classroom. The other protects children from dangerous online content and restores parental authority in the digital space.”
Rep. Fairly, a first-term lawmaker and Amarillo native, said the bill was shaped by input from local teachers, parents and mental health professionals.
“I grew up in a digital world, and I’ve seen firsthand how devices can distract and damage mental health,” Fairly said. “This bill isn’t about punishment — it’s about creating space for students to be present, to focus, and to thrive.”
Abbott praised Amarillo ISD for leading the way with its own phone restriction policy, adopted last year. Superintendent Parish said the local effort served as proof of concept.
“The results have been overwhelmingly positive,” Parish said. “Students are more engaged, and teachers have greater control of the classroom.”
Denny, who teaches at Amarillo High, said her students quickly adjusted.
“When students put their phones away, they’re not just listening to me — they’re listening to each other,” she said. “That creates real learning.”
Speaker Burrows, who helped steer the bill through the House, said the legislation comes at a time when Texas is investing heavily in its public education system.
“We’ve made historic investments in schools, teachers, and student safety,” Burrows said. “But if students are glued to their phones, none of that matters. These bills help restore focus and discipline in classrooms across the state.”
Abbott also highlighted AmTech’s role in preparing students for high-paying careers in robotics, drone operations and advanced manufacturing.
“Programs like this are exactly what Texas needs to stay ahead,” he said. “We’re not just limiting distractions — we’re investing in excellence and the future of our economy.”
Fairly closed her remarks by reflecting on the community’s role in helping pass the bill.
“This legislation came from the people of Amarillo — teachers, parents, mental health experts and even students,” she said. “I’m proud it started here and grateful we can lead the way.”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Abbott visits Amarillo to tout cellphone school bills
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