House approves guardrails for school seclusion rooms, including recording and reporting requirements

The Utah House voted to pass Senate Bill 181 on March 6 after debate on limits and safeguards for school seclusion rooms.

Representative Thompson, sponsor on the floor, said the third substitute requires seclusion rooms to be a last-resort emergency safety measure and lays out safety standards, reporting requirements and prompt parent notification. "If we're going to have seclusion rooms... they should be a last resort emergency safety measure," Thompson said, urging colleagues to support the bill’s transparency and safety provisions. The measure also requires that seclusion rooms in newly built schools include audio and video recording to protect students, staff and parents.

Lawmakers from both sides voiced concern about the trauma associated with seclusion-room use, and supporters emphasized the need for clear standards and accountability rather than eliminating room use entirely where districts deem them appropriate. Representative Shelley said her visits to schools reinforced the need for guardrails, adding that while alternatives are preferable, standards are necessary for current facilities.

The House passed the third substitute by a 56–13 vote; the bill will go back to the Senate for final procedural steps.