IL HB5524

Creates the Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion on Students Act, requiring all covered entities receiving public funds (public schools, charter schools, private schools, pre-K programs) to develop local policies on physical restraint and seclusion with complaint procedures and parent notification.

Restricts seclusion and physical restraint to emergency situations when students present imminent risk of injury or harm and only after less intrusive interventions have failed, prohibiting their use for punishment, convenience, or property protection.

Establishes specific safety requirements including continuous monitoring by trained staff, prohibition of locked rooms for seclusion, minimum 60 square feet for designated seclusion rooms, and bans on restraints that restrict breathing or rely on pain.

Requires immediate parent notification on the day of incident, detailed incident documentation within 2 school days, staff debriefing within 2 school days, and mandatory IEP/504 team meetings after 3 incidents in a school year.

Mandates State Board of Education maintain directory of approved training programs covering de-escalation, safe restraint techniques, recognition of dangerous behaviors, and monitoring for physical/psychological distress, with all staff trained annually.