SB 445 – This act prohibits school district employees, volunteers, and independent contractors from placing a student receiving special education services into seclusion, which is defined as confinement in a locked box, locked closet, or locked room as a behavior management technique or discipline management practice. Exceptions to the prohibition on seclusion include a court-ordered placement, situations that fall under the federal Children's Health Act of 2000, and when a student has a weapon and confinement is necessary to prevent bodily harm. This act is similar to a provision contained in HCS#2/SS/SB 291 (2009) and SCS/HCS/HB 96 (2009).
MICHAEL RUFF