NH HB1688

Expands when restraint can be used on children in schools and treatment facilities by removing the "substantial and serious" threshold, now allowing restraint when there is "an imminent risk of bodily harm" rather than requiring "substantial and imminent risk of serious bodily harm"

Lowers the standard for property damage considerations by removing "substantial risk of serious bodily harm" language, allowing restraint when property damage creates any "risk of bodily harm"

Modifies the definition of seclusion to exclude involuntary (previously voluntary) separation of a child from a stressful environment to regain self-control, when the child can leave the area

Maintains existing exceptions to seclusion definition: situations with no physical barrier where child can physically leave, and confinement with an adult actively providing therapeutic intervention

Takes effect 60 days after passage