Bill > HB653

This bill establishes a Safe Schools Pilot Project within the New Hampshire Department of Education to develop evidence-based alternatives to restraining and secluding students. The pilot project will provide technical assistance, professional development, and training for school staff, focusing on problem-solving and skill development. The program will prioritize schools with the highest incidents of restraints and seclusion, and aims to include a diverse range of school types, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as schools in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Participating schools will be selected through a rolling application process, with the pilot lasting 3 to 12 months starting in January 2026. Schools must report implementation data every three months, and the department will compile comprehensive reports every six months detailing demographics, historical restraint data, training information, technical assistance provided, and project outcomes. The reports will be shared with various state offices and committees, including the governor's office and education committees. Importantly, the bill specifies that "evidence-based alternatives" must be collaborative, trauma-informed, proactive, and non-punitive, and explicitly excludes traditional restraint, seclusion, crisis prevention, and behavior management training. While the bill does not provide specific funding, the Department of Education estimates implementation costs between $100,000 and $500,000 annually.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0429&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB653