This bill establishes a pilot program within the Department of Education aimed at developing evidence-based alternatives to the restraint and seclusion of students. The program, known as the Safe Schools Pilot Project, will provide technical assistance, professional development, and training for school staff on non-punitive, trauma-informed practices that focus on problem-solving and skill development. The bill specifies that the alternatives must be designated as "evidence-based" by a recognized national clearinghouse and explicitly excludes any programs that involve restraint or seclusion, crisis prevention training, de-escalation training, or behavior management training.

The Department of Education will oversee the pilot project, which will last between 3 to 12 months starting in January 2026. School districts will be prioritized based on specific criteria, including the highest incidents of restraint and seclusion, and diversity of the student population. Participating districts will be required to report data and findings every three months, and the Department will provide biannual reports to various stakeholders, detailing demographics, historical data on restraints and seclusion, and outcomes of the pilot project. The bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions, but it estimates that the implementation costs could range from $100,000 to $500,000 per year.