Dear Giddings ISD Parents and Guardians,
We want to make you aware of an important new law that will impact all Texas public schools, including Giddings ISD. On June 17, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481, which prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students on campus during the school day. This legislation is designed to reduce distractions and improve focus and safety in our schools.
Under HB 1481, students are not allowed to use or display any electronic devices capable of telecommunication or digital communication during school hours. This includes, but is not limited to:
Cell phones
Smartwatches
Tablets
Pagers
Two-way radios or walkie-talkies
Any other electronic device with messaging, calling, or internet access capabilities
Students who bring personal communication devices to school must ensure that they are powered off and out of sight throughout the instructional day.
To ensure compliance with this law, Giddings ISD will enforce the following consequences for violations:
1st Offense: The device will be confiscated. The student will receive a warning, and the device will be returned to the student at the end of the day.
2nd Offense: The device will be confiscated and will only be returned to a parent or guardian after the end of the school day.
3rd and Subsequent Offenses: The device will be confiscated, returned to a parent or guardian after the end of the school day, and the student will be assigned SAC (in-school suspension).
We ask for your support in helping reinforce these expectations at home and encouraging your child to keep their devices turned off and put away during the school day. Our shared goal is to create a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment for all students.
If you have any questions about this new policy, please contact your child’s campus office. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Shane Holman, Assistant Superintendent
Sin