Committee advances seclusion-room standards and retrofit grants after mixed testimony

Senator Escamilla presented the first substitute to SB 181, describing it as a follow-up to prior work on seclusion and an effort to set evidence-based guidelines for seclusion-room design, monitoring, and use. The substitute includes a $2,500,000 grant program to help schools retrofit facilities that choose to include seclusion rooms in the future and recommends video and audio monitoring as a protection for students and staff.

Parents and disability advocates testified that seclusion rooms have caused injuries and trauma and called for stronger accountability measures or an outright ban. Alicia Hadden, a parent of two special-education students, said small existing booths have caused injuries and that audio/video is needed for accountability. Alan Norton, a parent, urged removal of seclusion rooms but said video/audio could be a necessary protection. Nate Krippas of the Disability Law Center supported the bill as a step forward while maintaining that seclusion should ultimately be banned.

Ben Worsley, Granite School District superintendent, told the committee seclusion is minimally used under current state board rules and that districts will work with the sponsor on minor concerns. Senator Reby moved and the committee unanimously recommended the first substitute SB 181 to the full body.