BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 2365 By: Creighton et al. Education K-16 3/28/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT The State of Texas' historic investments in public education this session will not have the intended impact if students are on their phones during instruction. S.B. 2365 strives to ensure that students are focused on learning during instruction. As proposed, S.B. 2365 amends current law relating to the use of personal wireless communication devices by students during instructional time. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 38, Education Code, by adding Section 38.0232, as follows: Sec. 38.0232. PERSONAL DEVICE USE BY STUDENTS PROHIBITED. (a) Defines "personal wireless communication device." (b) Requires the board of trustees of a school district and the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school, notwithstanding Section 38.0231 (Guidelines for Use of Digital Devices), to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. (c) Requires that policies adopted under Subsection (a) require that classrooms designate a secure, out-of-sight area for the storage of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2365
By: Creighton et al.
Education K-16
3/28/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 2365
By: Creighton et al.
Education K-16
3/28/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The State of Texas' historic investments in public education this session will not have the intended impact if students are on their phones during instruction. S.B. 2365 strives to ensure that students are focused on learning during instruction.
As proposed, S.B. 2365 amends current law relating to the use of personal wireless communication devices by students during instructional time.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 38, Education Code, by adding Section 38.0232, as follows:
Sec. 38.0232. PERSONAL DEVICE USE BY STUDENTS PROHIBITED. (a) Defines "personal wireless communication device."
(b) Requires the board of trustees of a school district and the governing body of an open-enrollment charter school, notwithstanding Section 38.0231 (Guidelines for Use of Digital Devices), to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time.
(c) Requires that policies adopted under Subsection (a) require that classrooms designate a secure, out-of-sight area for the storage of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.