This bill amends Louisiana law to enhance the management of students with exceptionalities, particularly regarding the use of seclusion and physical restraint in educational settings. Key provisions include the installation of cameras in special education classrooms, mandatory training for teacher preparation programs on appropriate crisis intervention strategies, and the requirement for schools to inform parents about the use of such strategies in student handbooks. The legislation emphasizes that seclusion and restraint should only be employed as a last resort when a student poses an imminent risk of harm, prohibits mechanical restraint, and mandates continuous monitoring of students in these situations.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific notification and documentation requirements following incidents of seclusion or restraint, including timely communication with parents and assessments by school health personnel. It establishes guidelines for public school governing authorities to adopt positive behavioral interventions and mandates the creation of a crisis intervention training program. The state Department of Education is tasked with maintaining a database of reported incidents and producing annual reports on the use of seclusion and restraint. The bill also sets deadlines for updating procedural safeguards and submitting guidelines, with certain sections taking effect in late 2025 and early 2026.

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)
HB684 Act 479: 17:7(5), 17:1(B)(3), 17:1(A), 17:1948(A), 17:1948(C)(7)