Governor Greg Abbott visited Amarillo ISD’s AmTech Career Academy on Friday to sign House Bill 1481, a sweeping new law that will require all Texas public schools to limit or ban student smartphone use during instructional time starting in the 2025–2026 school year.
The bill, authored by Rep. Caroline Fairly of Amarillo, mandates that schools adopt campus-wide policies restricting the use of personal communication devices — including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even pagers — during class hours. Schools will be given flexibility to either collect and store devices during the day or ban them outright.
Abbott signed the bill surrounded by students, teachers, and local leaders, including Fairly, 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.
Addressing a Growing Problem
Abbott described the new law as a response to mounting concerns about digital distractions, social media overuse, and the broader impact of screen time on student learning and mental health.
“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.”
The governor framed the legislation as part of a broader strategy to support student well-being and improve classroom conditions. That strategy includes investments in school safety, mental health services, and emerging technologies — including drones, some of which are being developed at AmTech.
“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.
He also signed Senate Bill 2420 during his visit, which will require app stores to verify a user's age and secure parental consent before minors can download apps or make in-app purchases.
“These bills work together,” Abbott added. “One limits distractions in the classroom. The other protects children from dangerous online content and restores parental authority in the digital space.”
Amarillo's Role in Shaping the Law
Rep. Fairly, a first-term legislator and Amarillo native, credited her community with helping shape the bill.
“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.”
Fairly emphasized that the legislation was developed in close collaboration with local teachers, parents, and mental health professionals. That input also came from Amarillo ISD, which implemented its own phone-restriction policy last year — a move that influenced the statewide bill.
“The results have been overwhelmingly positive,” said Dr. Parish, noting improved student engagement and stronger classroom management.
Amarillo High School teacher Mellessa Denny agreed: “When students put their phones away, they’re not just listening to me — they’re listening to each other. That creates real learning.”
A Larger Effort to Improve Schools
House Speaker Burrows, who helped move the legislation through the state House, emphasized that classroom focus is essential for educational investment to be effective.
“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 concluded by highlighting the importance of technical education programs like those offered at AmTech, which trains students for careers in robotics, drone operations, and advanced manufacturing.
“We’re not just limiting distractions — we’re investing in excellence and the future of our economy,” Abbott said.
Fairly ended the event with a nod to her hometown.
“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.”
What’s Next:
Texas schools now have until the 2025–2026 academic year to draft and implement their phone policies. The law applies to all public and open-enrollment charter schools and includes a broad range of devices. Implementation will be left up to local districts, allowing communities some flexibility in how they manage enforcement.
