Bill > HB260

This bill addresses allowable responses to student behavior in public schools by comprehensively revising regulations around physical restraint, defining key terms, and establishing strict protocols for its use. The bill prohibits several types of student restraint, including chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, prone restraint, and seclusion, while permitting physical restraint only under specific, limited circumstances: when a student presents an imminent danger of serious physical harm, less restrictive interventions are insufficient, or a student is eloping. The legislation mandates that schools develop safety plans with detailed training requirements, ensuring that only trained personnel can use physical restraint, and only as a last resort. Schools must provide immediate notification to parents when restraint occurs, document the incident thoroughly, and conduct reviews if multiple restraint incidents happen. The bill requires biannual training for school employees in de-escalation techniques, positive behavior interventions, and proper restraint methods, with an emphasis on protecting student safety and dignity. Additionally, the legislation specifies that time-out should not be used as punishment and that schools must have strategies for reintegrating students after a restraint incident. The overall goal is to minimize the use of physical interventions while ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Education

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=260&year=25