The 89th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1481, prohibiting student use of personal communication devices during the school day. This law and corresponding district policy are intended to reduce distractions, protect instructional time, and promote meaningful student engagement.

Personal Communication Devices include but are not limited to:

• Smartphones

• Laptops and tablets

• Smartwatches

• Earbuds and earphones

• Smart eyeglasses

• Portable gaming devices

Key Points:

• All personal communication devices must remain out of sight during the school day. 

  
  

• Students may continue to keep personal communication devices in backpacks in case of an emergency. McKinney ISD believes it is important for students to have access to their phones in a crisis situation.
  

• Students will continue to use district-issued devices, such as iPads and MacBooks, provided for instructional purposes.
  

• McKinney ISD’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy has been updated in the 2025–2026 Student Handbook to reflect BYOD is not allowed according to HB 1481.

Disciplinary Consequences:

Violations of prohibited guidelines are subject to disciplinary consequences as outlined below: 

Disciplinary Consequences

1st Offense

• Device turned into campus administration

• Warning from administration

• Parent/guardian notified

• Device returned to student at the end of the school day

2nd Offense

• Device turned into campus administration

• Lunch or After-School Detention 

• Parent/guardian notified

• Device returned to parent/guardian only

3rd Offense

• Device turned into campus administration

• 1 Day In-School Suspension

• Device returned to parent/guardian only

• Mandatory parent/student conference

• Students are prohibited from bringing personal devices to campus for the remainder of the semester. Further violations will be considered insubordination of school policy.

  
  

Limited Exceptions:
A student may be permitted to possess or use a personal communication device only with written approval from campus administration and documentation supporting one or more of the following exceptions:

• The device is required to the extent necessary to implement the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

• The device is medically necessary, and its use is authorized by a licensed physician in the State of Texas and approved by designated 504 or ARD committee.

• The device is needed to comply with district or campus safety protocols, or as otherwise required by law.

• Dual credit students attending dual credit classes on MISD campuses can use phone to authenticate into Collin College system during the first 5 minutes of class.
  

Personal Communication Device Disposal :
Any confiscated personal communication device not claimed within the timeframe required by law will be disposed of following proper legal notification procedures. [See policy FNCE for more information.]

Q & A: Personal Communication Devices