Federally funded schools would limit seclusion and restraint

Programs receiving federal aid would be barred from seclusion and mechanical or chemical restraint; physical restraint would be allowed only under strict conditions. The rules would cover students attending programs that receive federal financial assistance, including public school systems, Head Start programs, and certain private schools serving students with disabilities. Physical restraint would be allowed only when a student poses an imminent danger of serious physical injury and less restrictive steps would not stop it. It must end when the danger ends, use only the force needed, and not block the student's communication. Untrained staff may act only in a rare, unavoidable emergency when trained staff are not immediately available.

Programs would have to notify parents and meet with them after each incident of physical restraint. These steps would apply after a program physically restrains a student. Programs would have to tell parents as soon as practical, no later than the same day, and send a written account within 24 hours. The meeting would include the parent, the student when appropriate, staff involved, and others, and would discuss how to prevent another incident. The notice is due the same day, the written account within 24 hours, and the meeting as soon as practical and no later than five school days after the incident, unless delayed by written mutual agreement.

State education agencies would submit annual plans and reports; reports would be made available to the public. The Education Department could award grants to states with approved applications if funds are appropriated. State education agencies would report on schools in their states. Head Start agencies would report on the programs they serve, with some reporting details not required for them. Grant awards would depend on an approved application and available appropriated funds. States receiving grants could give subgrants to local education agencies. The first plans and reports would be due no later than two years after enactment, with submissions each year after that.