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SF1830 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Use of seclusion permission as a restrictive procedure

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes regarding the use of restrictive procedures in schools, specifically addressing the use of seclusion and physical restraints.

Key Provisions:

  1. Prohibited Actions (Subdivision 4 Amendments):

    • The bill maintains current prohibitions on harmful disciplinary actions such as physical pain inducement, sensory deprivation, and withholding basic needs.
    • New Prohibition: The use of seclusion is prohibited for children from birth through grade 3 by September 1, 2024.

  2. Behavior Supports and Use of Force (Subdivision 6 Amendments):

    • Encourages school districts to implement positive behavior interventions and supports.
    • Allows for reasonable force under existing Minnesota laws but requires that any use of restrictive procedures, including seclusion or physical holding, be reported as such.
    • Requires the Minnesota Commissioner of Education to collaborate with stakeholders to develop recommendations for phasing out seclusion entirely in Minnesota schools.
    • Stakeholders for consultation include parents, advocacy groups, school staff, mental health providers, and representatives of affected communities.
    • The recommendations must propose specific timelines for ending seclusion and identify the necessary resources for training staff, supporting children’s mental health, and ensuring safe alternatives.

Impact:

  • This bill limits the use of seclusion for younger students and sets the stage for completely eliminating the practice statewide.
  • It pushes the state towards using alternative, positive behavioral interventions while ensuring transparency and accountability in restrictive procedure reporting.
  • Schools and staff will require additional training and resources to comply with the changes.

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Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        "The use of seclusion on children from birth through grade 3 by September 1, 2024, is now prohibited."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies procedures regarding restrictive actions in schools under section 125A.0942.",
      "modified": [
        "Encourages effective schoolwide systems of positive behavior interventions and supports."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "125A.0942"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Prohibits engaging in conduct under section 121A.58 as part of the restrictions.",
      "modified": [
        "References prohibited conduct under existing statute 121A.58."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "121A.58"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the use of reasonable force under section 609.06.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies allowance of reasonable force under 609.06 in specific situations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.06"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Allows reasonable force under section 609.379 in relation to student restraint.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies circumstances in which reasonable force is permissible under 609.379."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.379"
  }
]

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