Bill > SB0170

This bill makes comprehensive amendments to Utah's school discipline laws, focusing specifically on regulating emergency safety interventions in schools. The bill defines key terms like "emergency safety intervention" as the use of seclusion or physical restraint when a student presents an immediate danger to themselves or others, and establishes detailed guidelines for when and how such interventions can be used. The legislation requires school employees to first use the least restrictive intervention possible, prohibits corporal punishment, and mandates that any use of seclusion or physical restraint be time-limited, monitored, and immediately reported to parents. Schools must develop specific written policies for emergency interventions, including procedures for monitoring, documenting, and debriefing after an intervention. The bill also requires local educational agencies to collect and report annual data on these interventions, including details about duration, purpose, alternative strategies attempted, and student demographics. Additionally, the bill establishes potential penalties for violations, including referral to local law enforcement and the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission, and specifies that unlawful detention of a student could result in legal consequences. The legislation aims to protect students' safety while providing clear, accountable guidelines for managing challenging behavioral situations in educational settings.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0170.html