The bill amends existing laws regarding the use of positive behavioral supports in public school districts in Arkansas. It emphasizes the responsibility of each school district to ensure the safety of students and staff while protecting students from unnecessary restraint. The bill introduces new language that focuses on "behavioral intervention" rather than "positive behavioral support," and it mandates that school personnel receive training in evidence-based behavioral intervention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and physical restraint prevention. Additionally, the bill highlights the importance of a multi-tiered system of supports to address the needs of students exhibiting challenging behaviors.

Key provisions include the requirement for school districts to adopt policies that align with the needs of their student populations and to provide necessary training and resources to staff. The bill also repeals the definition of "positive behavioral support" and modifies the definition of "punishment" to focus on decreasing inappropriate behavior without the necessity of replacing it with appropriate behavior. Furthermore, it mandates that schools evaluate their behavioral intervention procedures after incidents involving physical restraint to minimize future occurrences. Overall, the bill aims to create a safer and more supportive educational environment for all students.

Statutes affected:
HB 1793: 6-18-2401, 6-18-2402(c), 6-18-2403(22), 6-18-2403(24), 6-18-2404, 6-18-2407(3), 6-18-2408(a), 6-18-2409(2)