Summary
Ensures that restraints are used only in emergencies posing an imminent threat of physical danger. If less restrictive and dangerous measures like de-escalation, conflict management, and positive behavioral supports will prevent the threat, the bill will require that they be used. The bill will provide similar protections from seclusion. The bill will require that schools take steps to notify parents within 24 hours, and follow up in writing.
Status
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Our Position: Support
Efforts to reduce restraint and seclusion should be part of a strategy for school-wide safety and should include the development of district-wide policies, training for all educational staff, crisis preparation, interagency cooperation and student/parent participation. Proactive approaches need to be used, e.g., positive behavior interventions and supports that are safe, effective, and evidence-based. Research demonstrates that the use of preventative and positive approaches is a cost-saving approach that changes how schools respond to students, improving student behavior by promoting and reinforcing desired behaviors and eliminating the unintended reinforcement of and need to respond to problem behaviors.