The bill seeks to amend Louisiana law regarding the management of students with exceptionalities, particularly focusing on the use of seclusion and physical restraint in educational environments. It introduces several key provisions, including the installation of cameras in special education classrooms, mandatory training for teacher preparation programs on the appropriate use of seclusion and restraint, and the establishment of crisis intervention guidelines. The bill emphasizes that seclusion and physical restraint should only be employed as a last resort when a student poses an imminent risk of harm, prohibits mechanical restraint, and requires continuous monitoring of students subjected to these measures. Additionally, it mandates parental notification and detailed incident reporting following any use of seclusion or restraint.

Further amendments include the requirement for school employees to promptly notify the principal and the student's parent or legal guardian after a student is released from seclusion or restraint, as well as an assessment by a school nurse for any signs of injury. The bill also calls for public school governing authorities to adopt written procedures for crisis intervention plans and mandates annual reporting of incidents to the state Department of Education. The updates to the Procedural Safeguards Handbook must align with the new provisions before the 2025-2026 school year, and specific sections of the bill will take effect on designated dates in late 2025 and early 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance student safety, ensure transparency, and improve documentation practices related to the use of seclusion and restraint in schools.

Statutes affected:
HB684 Original: 17:1948(C)(9)
HB684 Engrossed: 17:1948(C)(9)
HB684 Reengrossed: 17:7(5), 17:1(B)(3), 17:1(A), 17:1948(A), 17:1948(C)(7)
HB684 Enrolled: 17:7(5), 17:1(B)(3), 17:1(A), 17:1948(A), 17:1948(C)(7)