As of June 23, 2025, Texas public schools are required to limit student phone access during the instructional day. House Bill 1481, now signed into law, mandates that schools create a policy to restrict student use of personal devices and provide a clear method for storing those devices securely on campus.
If your district is preparing to implement this policy, cell phone lockers for schools offer a fast, reliable solution that satisfies legal requirements and supports classroom focus.
What HB 1481 Requires from Texas Schools
The new law makes it clear: student phones must be stored out of reach during the school day. The policy must outline how and where devices are secured, with procedures that keep them inaccessible until the instructional day ends.
From the enrolled bill text:
“A policy… must prohibit student use of a personal telecommunications device during instructional time… and must include a process for the storage of a student’s personal telecommunications device.”
These requirements apply to all public and charter schools in Texas and go into effect for the 2025–2026 school year.
For many schools, cell phone lock boxes offer the most reliable way to comply.
Why Lockers Work Better Than Bags or Blanket Bans
Some schools have adopted cell phone lock bags for schools, but these soft pouches still allow students to carry devices with them, which can lead to distractions and inconsistent enforcement. Others have tried to completely ban phones from campus, but this often creates conflict and is difficult to manage.
A more secure and structured solution is to install wall mounted cell phone lock boxes. These systems create a consistent and enforceable routine that removes phones from the classroom entirely, while still allowing students to retrieve their devices at the end of the day.
Benefits of using lockers include:
- Phones are securely stored and inaccessible during school hours
- Teachers are no longer responsible for enforcing phone rules during class
- Students have a consistent process for daily storage and retrieval
- Parents have peace of mind knowing devices are stored safely
Secure Features That Support Policy Compliance
Today’s cell phone lock systems are built for security, convenience, and reliability. These lockers are designed to hold not only smartphones, but also earbuds, smartwatches, and other small electronics.
Key features include:
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Individual compartments for each user
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Keyed, PIN, RFID, or touchscreen access
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Optional USB charging ports inside compartments
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Durable steel construction for long-term use
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Scalable sizes and layouts for different campus needs
If your school needs a solution that works directly inside the classroom, a cell phone lock box for classroom use can be wall-mounted to save space and provide easy access during arrival and dismissal.
Supporting High School and BYOD Campus Policies
High schools and charter campuses often support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs. Under HB 1481, these programs will need new systems that restrict access during instruction but allow for flexibility elsewhere.
Lockers offer an ideal solution. They can be assigned by homeroom, used on a rotating schedule, or deployed in shared spaces. This flexibility helps schools apply the law without needing to eliminate phones completely.
Locker-based policies are especially effective for:
- Reducing unauthorized phone use during exams
- Avoiding disciplinary confrontations over devices
- Managing partial phone restrictions by grade or activity
- Complying with new laws while maintaining BYOD flexibility
These features make lockers the ideal foundation for any high school cell phone policy lock box policy.
Planning Ahead? Use Our 3D Locker Models for Facility Design
If your district is designing new schools or upgrading current 
buildings, locker planning can start now. SSG offers
downloadable Revit-compatible files for every locker configuration.
These cell phone locker 3D model files help architects, planners, and facilities teams incorporate secure storage into classrooms, offices, or entry points.
Ready to Comply? We Can Help.
Texas schools now face a deadline to create phone storage plans that are secure, enforceable, and student-friendly. Our locker systems are built to make this transition easier for schools, staff, and families.
We provide:
- Lockers designed for school-wide deployment
- Multiple access and charging options
- Flexible layouts for classrooms, lobbies, or front offices
- Help with product selection, planning, and installation
Don’t wait to make your vision a reality. Call us today at 866-963-6150 or fill out our free quote form. Our team is here to help you take the first step toward a classroom transformation that boosts productivity and inspires success. Reach out now to get started!
