The bill aims to improve the safety and well-being of students in public schools by prohibiting harmful practices such as chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, and isolation. It establishes clear definitions for terms related to student behavior management and emphasizes the need for staff training in trauma-informed approaches. The legislation mandates that any use of restraint or isolation must be closely monitored and only applied when there is an imminent likelihood of serious harm. Specific prohibitions are outlined against interventions like chemical restraint and corporal punishment, and school districts are required to adopt policies prioritizing the least restrictive measures necessary for safety, along with follow-up procedures after incidents.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for monitoring and training related to isolation and restraint practices, particularly for students in prekindergarten through grade five. It mandates that isolation can only occur under specific conditions, including the recommendation of two licensed health professionals and parental consent. The bill also requires school district boards to monitor the impact of their policies on student isolation and restraint annually, develop comprehensive training plans, and ensure that paraeducators are trained to recognize and respond to student distress. Furthermore, it tasks the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction with overseeing compliance, providing technical assistance, and establishing improvement plans for districts not making sufficient progress.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.600.485, 28A.600.486, 28A.155.210, 28A.320.127, 28A.320.125, 28A.410.270, 28A.155.250, 28A.415.330