ND SB2266

School districts must adopt a written restraint and seclusion policy by July 1, 2020, that permits physical restraint or seclusion only when there is a threat of imminent danger of serious physical harm.

Policies must prohibit seclusion entirely, life-threatening restraint methods, prone or supine restraints, mechanical or chemical restraints, and restraints used for punishment or noncompliance.

School district personnel must be certified and trained at least annually in safe physical restraint use and alternative behavioral interventions such as positive behavioral supports.

Each restraint incident must be documented, parents notified by end of school day, data reported to the superintendent of public instruction for public disclosure, and every incident reported to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

$500,000 is appropriated from the foundation aid stabilization fund to the Department of Public Instruction for training school district personnel on restraint and seclusion policies for the biennium July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.