CO HB1248

HB 25-1248: Protection of Students from Restraint and Seclusion Act

• Prohibits the use of restraint (including seclusion, chemical, mechanical, and physical restraint) on public school students except in emergencies involving imminent threat of bodily harm, after less restrictive alternatives fail or are deemed inappropriate.

• Physical restraints must be released within 15 minutes unless unsafe, may not place excess pressure on chest/back, and cannot be used as punishment, discipline, behavior modification, or retaliation.

• Seclusion rooms must have a window or video camera for continuous monitoring, be free of injurious items, and provide students relief periods for restroom access.

• Local education providers must report restraint incidents within one school day, notify parents verbally (same day) and in writing (within 5 days) for restraints lasting 5+ minutes or any seclusion, and submit annual data to the Department of Education by June 30 each year starting in 2026.

• State Board of Education must adopt rules by January 1, 2026, including a formal complaint process for students or parents; the Department of Education gains enforcement authority over restraint investigations.