This bill requires video and audio monitoring and recording of restraint and seclusion incidents in schools if recording is included in a student's individualized education program. It also requires parental notification prior to the use of seclusion or restraints if practicable. The bill amends existing law to specify that each use of seclusion must be visually and auditorily monitored by a trained person, and that each use of seclusion must be visually and auditorily recorded if it is included in the student's individualized education program or accommodation plan. The bill also requires schools to make reasonable efforts to verbally notify the child's parent or guardian before and after the use of seclusion or restraint, and to provide a physical or digital copy of any recording of the occurrence. The bill also amends the law to require continuous direct observation of children in restraint and to allow for recording of seclusion or restraint for disciplinary purposes if it is included in the student's individualized education program or accommodation plan. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 126-U:5-b, 126-U:7, 126-U:11, 189:68