Tennessee Senate Bill SB0141

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 10, Part 13 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to special education.

Impact

The passage of SB0141 represents a significant shift in the legal framework governing the treatment of special education students. By banning mechanical restraints in normal circumstances, the bill is intended to promote safer educational settings and reduce the potential for harm to vulnerable populations. While it emphasizes the protection of students, it also establishes a protocol that permits authorized personnel to act in emergencies, thereby balancing student rights with safety considerations in potentially volatile situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 141 (SB0141) amends the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning special education, particularly addressing the use of mechanical restraints on students receiving such services. The bill explicitly prohibits the application of mechanical restraints unless performed by trained school resource officers or law enforcement officers during emergency situations. This legislative measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of students in special education environments while granting certain exceptions that accommodate necessary interventions in crisis scenarios.

Contention

As with many educational policies, SB0141 might encounter varied opinions among stakeholders. Advocates for special education and student rights are likely to support the bill, viewing it as a necessary step toward improving the care and treatment of students. Conversely, some may raise concerns regarding the practicality of emergency interventions and the potential for misinterpretation of what constitutes an 'emergency.' The discussion may center around ensuring that the implementation of these provisions does not inadvertently restrict necessary actions to protect students in critical moments.