Public schools use cameras in self-contained special education classrooms

Public schools must use cameras in self-contained special education classrooms and audio recording devices in their restrooms. These rules cover public schools with self-contained classrooms, where most students in regular attendance receive special education instruction. Before devices are first placed, families must receive written notice and a copy of the law; assigned school employees must also receive notice. A parent or guardian may opt their student out of restroom audio monitoring. The student's IEP or 504 plan must set out the opt-out and an alternative arrangement. Cameras may not monitor restrooms or changing areas, except for incidental coverage of a small portion caused by the classroom layout. The law took effect June 11, 2026, 90 days after passage. Schools must give notice before first placing the devices.

School administrators must regularly review recordings, retain them for minimum periods, and allow eligible people to review them after a reported incident. These rules apply to video and audio recordings made under the classroom camera and restroom audio requirements. Recordings are confidential and may be reviewed only by authorized people for allowed purposes. Schools must take steps to hide students who are not involved in the incident. A parent or guardian may request review if their child is involved in a reported incident shown in the recording. Certain school employees, investigators, and legal representatives may also qualify. Eligible people must be allowed to review a requested recording within seven days. The usual minimum retention period is three months, extended over summer break; systems installed or replaced after April 1, 2022, have a 365-day minimum. A requested recording must be kept through related investigations and proceedings.

Schools may use recordings in decisions to suspend or dismiss school employees, and boards must independently investigate certain child-abuse allegations. The recording-use rule concerns school personnel; the investigation duty concerns allegations that an employee abused a child. Recordings may not be used for teacher evaluations and may be used only to protect the health, well-being, and safety of students receiving special education and related services. The independent investigation duty applies when there is no state finding of abuse and no felony or misdemeanor charge proceedings against the employee.