HTX-SKL: Impact 9/12/2025

Klein ISD students must keep cellphones and other electronic devices silenced and put away during school hours under a new state-mandated policy.

Read all about it: During KISD's Sept. 8 regular board meeting, trustees unanimously approved an update for a new cellphone policy. The policy was changed to align with House Bill 1481, which was passed by state lawmakers in June. Under the new policy, students will be required to keep personal communication devices, including cellphones, text messaging devices, laptops and tablets, silent and stored away throughout the school day.

Diving in deeper: Students can use communication devices if:

• It helps implement an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan for students with disabilities.
• A student has a need documented by a “qualified physician."
• The district needs to comply with health or safety protocols required by local policy or by law.

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones partnered with state Sen. Molly Cook, D-Houston, to share statewide and local policy updates with residents at a Sept. 10 town hall. 

Quote of note: “We’re serving the same people. We need to be working closer together,” Briones told Community Impact. “Whether it’s on the macro, big policy decisions, [or] just in communicating back for progress we’re delivering and what challenges we’re facing.”

The overview: Cook provided a breakdown of key policies that passed the Texas Legislature this year, both in regular session and two special sessions. She said of the 94 bills her office filed: 

• 16 were heard in committee
• 15 came directly from her constituents in Harris County
• Seven were signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott
• Four were passed as amendments added to other bills

There are several events taking place in the Greater Houston area to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. This list is not comprehensive.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Houston Premium Outlets is hosting a performance and dance lessons from Mixteco Ballet Folklorico and a performance from Mariachi Estrella de Mi Tierra.

• Sept. 20, 1-4 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 29300 Hempstead Road, Cypress