This bill amends Louisiana law to enhance the regulations surrounding the use of seclusion and physical restraint for students with exceptionalities in educational settings. Key provisions include the installation of cameras in special education classrooms, mandatory training for teacher preparation programs on the appropriate use of these measures, and the establishment of crisis intervention guidelines. The legislation emphasizes that seclusion and restraint should only be used as a last resort when a student poses an imminent risk of harm, prohibits mechanical restraint, and requires continuous monitoring and parental notification following any incidents of restraint or seclusion.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school employees notify the principal and parents or legal guardians upon a student's release from restraint, and it requires a health assessment for any signs of injury. It also calls for detailed documentation of each incident, including the circumstances and any injuries sustained. The Department of Education is tasked with updating the Procedural Safeguards Handbook to reflect these changes, and public school governing authorities must submit their guidelines by May 31, 2026. The bill aims to improve safety, transparency, and accountability in the treatment of students with exceptionalities, with specific implementation timelines set for various sections of the legislation.

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)