New Mexico Senate Bill SB387

New Mexico 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/23

Caption

School Student Restraint Or Isolation

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing statutes related to school safety practices, potentially leading to significant changes in how schools manage behavioral issues. By instituting stricter guidelines, SB387 aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for students, especially those with special needs. Furthermore, the requirement for schools to provide notification and documentation to parents following incidents of restraint or seclusion enhances transparency and accountability in handling such cases.

Summary

Senate Bill 387 aims to regulate the use of restraint and seclusion in public schools, specifically focusing on prohibiting mechanical and chemical restraints and prone restraints. The bill mandates that restraint or seclusion techniques can only be employed when a student's behavior poses an imminent danger to themselves or others, and only after less restrictive interventions have proven insufficient. It emphasizes the need for continuous visual monitoring during such interventions and outlines specific circumstances under which these methods may be applied, contributing to a more structured approach in crisis situations within educational settings.

Contention

Discussion around SB387 may arise from potential concerns about the practicality of its implementation and the balance between safety and freedom of action for educators. While proponents argue that limiting restraint practices is crucial for student welfare, critics may express worry over the challenges teachers might face in emergency situations without the ability to use certain restraints. This balance of intervention techniques will require careful consideration from school administrations as they adapt to the new legislative requirements.