Author: Shelby Benavidez 

Students are heading back to school and recent Texas public education laws have been hitting the headlines. Texas public education will see several new regulations and rule changes. These updates affect classroom management, student rights, and school policies across the state.  

Four major areas of change stand out including the statewide cell phone ban, the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) regarding student identity and parental rights, and Senate Bill 13 (SB 13) on school library materials. The content of this article is intended to convey factual information about recent Texas education updates and may not reflect the opinions of the firm. 

Texas Cell Phone Ban in Schools: HB 1481 Explained 

What is HB 1481? 

If you’ve been on Facebook lately, you’ve seen the concern surrounding the use of personal devices in school. This is regarding House Bill 1481, effective September 1, 2025, which requires Texas public and charter schools to implement policies preventing students from using personal communication devices, including cell phones, during the school day. The law allows exceptions for students with documented disabilities and medical needs. School districts have to roll these new policies out by September 18, 2025, informing both staff, students, and families of the new rules and their purpose. 

Officials say the new legislation is intended to reduce distractions in classrooms and promote a more educational focused and social environment for students. While parents never intentionally give their children devices to cause distraction, research shows that excessive phone use in schools can interfere with academic performance. 

How Texas Schools Will Enforce the Cell Phone Ban 

To enforce the cell phone ban required by Texas law, many districts are starting to collect phones at the start of the school day, locking them in secure storage areas or designating specific areas for electronic devices to be housed throughout the day. Teachers are encouraged to integrate these routines without disrupting the learning day. 

This change was implemented with hopes that students will experience fewer distractions in the classroom and benefit from improved interpersonal interaction with their peers. While parents and students may feel frustrated with having to adjust how they communicate during school hours, districts are encouraging families to rely on office phones or other approved methods for emergencies. 

Consequences for Breaking the Texas Cell Phone Policy 

The state has provided local school boards with discretion in determining consequences for policy violations. This could range from verbal warnings to confiscation of the device or other disciplinary measures for repeated offenses. Parents should expect notifications and clear communication from schools regarding enforcement procedures and exceptions. 

Districts may also provide guidance for parents who wish to discuss exceptions for medical or safety reasons. Understanding how the policy applies in specific circumstances can prevent misunderstandings and maintain consistency in enforcement across campuses. 

Ten Commandments Display in Texas Schools: SB 10 

As Now Required by Law 

Senate Bill 10, effective September 1, 2025, requires public elementary through secondary schools to display a framed or poster-sized version of the Ten Commandments in each classroom. The display must measure at least 16×20 inches. The law applies to all public schools in Texas, though districts may decide the precise location of the display within classrooms. 

Officials say the new law is intended to highlight historical and moral teachings of the Ten Commandments. Schools must ensure the display is visible but does not interfere with educational content or classroom instruction. 

While the law mandates the display, it intersects with constitutional concerns about the separation of church and state. Some families or advocacy groups may challenge the law’s implementation. Courts have not yet issued definitive rulings regarding SB 10, so districts should be aware that legal interpretations may evolve. 

In practice, schools may pair the Ten Commandments display with educational materials on civic or moral history to provide context and reduce potential controversy. 

How Texas Districts Will Implement the Ten Commandments Law 

Each district is responsible for posting the Ten Commandments and notifying staff of the requirement. Maintenance procedures, such as keeping the poster intact and in good condition, may need to be formalized. Schools may also provide guidance on integrating discussions about historical context into the curriculum while complying with state requirements. 

Texas Student Identity and Parental Rights: SB 12 

New Texas Rules on Student Pronouns 

Senate Bill 12, effective September 1, 2025, introduces regulations related to parental rights, student identity, and limitations on certain programs in schools. The law prohibits school staff from assisting students in social transitioning, including the use of names or pronouns inconsistent with a student’s birth certificate. 

SB 12 reflects the state’s emphasis on parental involvement in decisions affecting students’ social and educational experiences. Schools must review policies and staff training to maintain compliance and transparency. 

Parental Notification Requirements Under Texas SB 12 

The law requires schools to notify parents about matters affecting their child, including psychological services, educational adjustments, and classroom instruction related to human sexuality. Written parental consent is required before providing such instruction or services. 

Parents should expect formal notifications from schools, including letters, emails, or meetings. Documentation procedures may need to be updated to track consent and communications, ensuring compliance with state law. 

How SB 12 Changes Texas School Policies and Student Programs 

SB 12 also bans student clubs or programs focused on sexual orientation or gender identity and restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that are not state-mandated. Schools will need to review and update student handbooks, codes of conduct, and staff policies to reflect these restrictions. 

Implementation will require careful planning and communication with staff, students, and families to prevent misunderstandings or violations of the law. 

Texas School Library Books Will Get a Ratings Update 

What SB 13 Means for Texas School Library Books 

Senate Bill 13, effective September 1, 2025, expands requirements for rating and categorizing library materials. Districts must provide clear ratings for all library books, digital media, and other educational resources. This update builds on prior SB 13 regulations, emphasizing parental access to information and restricting student access to materials deemed sexually explicit without parental consent. 

Vendors supplying materials to schools are required to provide ratings, allowing districts to classify content according to established criteria. The 2025 update clarifies how new resources, including digital subscriptions and online materials, should be evaluated. 

How Parents Can Challenge or Remove Texas School Books  

Schools will have to establish a formal process for parents or community members to request review or removal of library materials. Requests must follow standardized procedures to ensure fairness and transparency. 

Districts are required to maintain documentation of reviews and decisions, which may include meetings of review committees or public hearings. The goal is to balance access to diverse educational resources with parental oversight. 

Which Texas Schools Must Follow SB 13 Library Rules? 

SB 13 impacts all public and charter schools in Texas. Districts are expected to train librarians and staff to manage ratings, communicate with parents, and maintain compliance records. Monitoring by the Texas Education Agency will ensure that schools follow established guidelines. 

The 2025 updates emphasize that digital and remote learning resources are subject to the same evaluation standards as physical books. Schools will need to coordinate with vendors and IT departments to ensure proper ratings and parental controls are in place. 

Texas Education Law Changes 2025: Key Takeaways 

The 2025–2026 school year brings multiple rule changes to Texas public education, affecting classroom management, student rights, parental involvement, and library resources. These changes represent significant adjustments for districts, staff, and families. Schools must implement clear policies, communicate effectively with parents, and maintain compliance with state law. 

Parents and educators are encouraged to review these new requirements carefully and seek guidance from their local school district for implementation details. Understanding these changes early allows districts and families to adapt procedures and expectations in a way that supports students while ensuring compliance with new state mandates. 

The combination of HB 1481, SB 10, SB 12, and SB 13 will shape the learning environment, daily operations, and parental engagement throughout Texas. Awareness and preparation will be essential for a smooth transition into the 2025–2026 school year. If you have further questions or concerns regarding your district’s policies, please contact the administration in your district.