Starting in the 2025–26 school year, students across Texas, including those in Collin County districts, will experience a wave of changes prompted by recent state legislation. Three bills passed by the Texas Legislature will impact everything from after-school clubs to lunchtime routines.
No Phones, Smartwatches Or Earbuds: Personal Devices Banned
Under House Bill 1481, personal communication devices will no longer be allowed during the school day, effective Aug. 13, 2025. The new policy applies to all Texas public schools and prohibits student use of devices during class, passing periods and even lunch. Any device capable of sending or receiving messages will be off-limits.
Banned items include:
- Cellphones and smartphones
- Smartwatches and personal laptops
- Flip phones and tablets
- Meta glasses and paging devices
- Wireless earbuds and Bluetooth headphones
Ten Commandments to Be Displayed in Every Classroom
Senate Bill 10 mandates that public schools post a copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The law specifies the wording and minimum size of the posters. Districts will install these displays before the start of the new school year.
This is currently the only religious text allowed on classroom walls unless connected to a Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standard relevant to the grade level.
Parent Permission Required for Student Clubs
Another major change comes with Senate Bill 12, which restricts student club activity and requires parental permission for participation. The law:
- Bans any student club based on sexual orientation or gender identity
- Requires parental notification and written consent for participation in all clubs, both curricular and extracurricular
While some Collin County districts already require annual approval for student clubs at the campus level, clubs no longer allowed under SB 12 will be discontinued. Parents will receive information this fall about how to authorize their student’s involvement in specific clubs.
Preparing For Changes
Districts encourage parents to review these new policies with their students before the school year begins.
More details are expected to be released by individual campuses ahead of the fall semester.
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