Effective September 1, 2025, the Texas Legislature’s House Bill 1481 mandates that Texas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools prohibit the use of personal cell phones and communication devices during the school day.

Each school district is required to adopt written policies outlining policies and procedures related to this ban and identifying accommodations for students with certain medical diagnoses.

Unless your child meets the criteria set by their specific school for a medical accommodation, a doctor’s note from our office will be ineffective in convincing the school to make an exception allowing your child to carry their communication device. As licensed practitioners in the state of Texas, we are legally required to comply with the law and refrain from attempting to circumvent or find a loophole for any state law.

The following letter is an example of the form letter we would be able provide for those students meeting the requirements of their specific school for a medical accommodation:

To Whom It May Concern:

Our patient _______________, has been diagnosed with _______________ (a medical condition meeting your school’s specific requirements for an accommodation related to House Bill 1481). We would appreciate whatever you can do to help _______________’s family navigate this new regulation. If you have further questions related to this matter, please feel free to contact our offices.

Sincerely,

PEDIATRIC CENTER