Bill > HB409

This bill modifies existing education code to enhance protections and documentation requirements for students with disabilities who are subjected to restraint in school settings. Specifically, the bill mandates that after a restraint incident, school districts must conduct a comprehensive health assessment focusing on the student's overall well-being, which includes evidence-based mental and physical health screenings performed by qualified professionals like school counselors, psychologists, or nurses. The bill requires districts to provide parents with detailed written notification about each restraint incident, including new information about the mental and physical health screening conducted after the event. Additionally, the documentation of these screenings must be included in the student's special education records. These provisions aim to ensure more thorough monitoring, documentation, and follow-up care for students with disabilities who experience restraint, with the goal of promoting their holistic health and well-being while providing transparency to parents about such incidents. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate voting threshold.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB409