This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 125A.0942, to allow the use of seclusion as a restrictive procedure in educational settings. Specifically, it removes the prohibition on the use of seclusion for children from birth through grade 3, which was previously set to take effect by September 1, 2024. Additionally, the bill modifies the list of prohibited actions by removing the prohibition on prone restraint and includes a new provision that emphasizes the importance of returning any temporarily removed equipment or devices to the child as soon as possible.

Furthermore, the bill encourages school districts to implement effective systems of positive behavior interventions and supports while clarifying that the use of reasonable force is permissible under certain conditions. It mandates that any use of physical restraint or seclusion must be reported to the Department of Education as a restrictive procedure, particularly when performed by unauthorized or untrained staff. The previous requirement for the commissioner to make recommendations for ending seclusion in schools by February 1, 2024, has been deleted from the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 125A.0942