Keeping All Students Safe Act
The bill mandates that state educational agencies must establish clear policies that comply with these requirements and report on the use of restrictive practices in schools. It also includes support for developing alternative behavioral interventions and crisis management strategies, promoting a shift towards preventative measures rather than reactive restraints. This legislation has significant implications for existing policies on student management and behavioral interventions across schools nationwide.
House Bill 3470, titled the 'Keeping All Students Safe Act,' aims to prohibit and prevent various types of restraints used in schools, including seclusion, mechanical restraint, chemical restraint, and any restraint that could threaten a student’s ability to breathe. The legislation seeks to enhance student safety and create a more supportive educational environment. Under its provisions, schools that receive federal funding will be barred from imposing unlawful restraints and will be subject to new regulations ensuring compliance with these prohibitions.
Notably, there is a discussion about the balance between maintaining discipline and ensuring student rights. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect vulnerable students, particularly those with disabilities, from abusive restraint practices. However, opponents may express concern over the potential for reduced safety measures and criticism of how schools could effectively manage disruptive behaviors without these restraint techniques. This aspect highlights the ongoing debate regarding the best approaches to discipline and student management in educational settings.