The bill amends Section 22-5-4.12 of the New Mexico Statutes to establish stricter regulations regarding the use of physical restraint and seclusion in public schools. It introduces definitions for various terms related to restraint, such as "chemical restraint," "mechanical restraint," and "seclusion," while explicitly prohibiting certain practices, including seclusion without supervision, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, and prone restraint. The bill allows for the use of physical restraint only under specific conditions where a student's behavior poses an imminent danger of serious physical harm, and less restrictive interventions are deemed insufficient. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of training for school employees in positive behavior interventions, de-escalation techniques, and the safe use of restraint.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that local school boards establish policies for training and documentation related to the use of restraint and seclusion. It requires that any instance of physical restraint or seclusion be documented and reported to the student's parents within a specified timeframe, detailing the circumstances and techniques used. The bill also stipulates that schools must review strategies for managing a student's behavior if restraint or seclusion is used multiple times within a school year, ensuring that appropriate support and interventions are in place. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the safety and well-being of students while minimizing the use of restrictive practices in educational settings.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-5-4.12