(HB 1479 and SB 5559)
Washington state House Bill 1479 and Senate Bill 5559 would prohibit schools, including any programs providing education services, from isolating/secluding students, restrict the use of restraint on students, and improve transparency by expanding documentation and data practices. Isolation/seclusion means restricting the student alone within a room or any other form of enclosure, from which the student may not leave. Restraint is defined as a physical intervention or force used to control a student, including the use of a restraint device to restrict a student’s freedom of movement. Restraint device means a device used to assist in controlling a student, including but not limited to metal handcuffs, plastic ties, ankle restraints, leather cuffs, other hospital-type restraints, pepper spray, tasers, or batons.
Increasing evidence shows that restraint and seclusion are ineffective and cause significant emotional and physical harm. Send an email to your state legislators now to let them know where you stand on this issue! Personalizing the message increases its impact.
