HB 25-1248

HB 25-1248, known as the "Protect Students from Restraint & Seclusion Act," aims to prevent the use of restraint and seclusion in Colorado public schools except under specific circumstances. The bill requires schools to train staff on proper handling techniques, document any instances where restraint or seclusion is used, and notify parents when these measures are employed. Starting July 1, 2025, schools must review their policies annually and report their use of such practices to the state education department starting June 30, 2026. Since the bill has been signed into law, it will now be implemented according to its provisions.

Official Summary

Under current law, the "Protection of Individuals from Restraint and Seclusion Act" contains parameters concerning exceptions for the use of restraint and seclusion for various agencies, including for public schools. The act removes public schools from the "Protection of Individuals from Restraint and Seclusion Act" and creates the "Protection of Students from Restraint and Seclusion Act" that is specific to local education providers. The act: Prohibits any form of restraint, as defined in the act, (restraint) and seclusion, except as provided; Establishes guidelines for acceptable use of restraint and seclusion; Requires a local education provider that uses restraint or seclusion to train its employees and agents; Requires a local education provider to document instances of restraint or seclusion and notify the student's family of certain instances of restraint or seclusion; No later than July 1, 2025, requires each local education provider to establish an annual review process for their use of restraint and seclusion; and Annually, beginning June 30, 2026, requires each local education provider to submit a report to the department of education summarizing their use of restraint and seclusion. The state board of education shall adopt rules for the implementation of the act. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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