House approves bill tightening student-restraint rules after debate

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1795 passed the House after a floor debate that centered on student safety and staff training.

Representative Callan, sponsor of the floor remarks, said the bill focuses on restraint practices and protections for students with complex needs, emphasizing input from principals and educators. “We strengthen and tighten up the the restraint elements to make sure that we're not going to, block breathing. That we're not gonna bring something that can create great physical harm in the way that restraint is done,” Callan said, adding the measure aims to balance safety for both students and staff.

Opponents cautioned that the bill removes certain tools before adequate funding and professional development are in place. A lawmaker speaking against the measure urged colleagues to withhold support, arguing staff need training before restrictions take effect and that, without it, staff and other students could be endangered. “We need to put more funding into training for these staff,” the lawmaker said, urging a no vote.

After debate the House conducted a roll call. The clerk reported 58 yays, 37 nays and 3 excused; the presiding officer declared the bill, as amended by the Senate, passed by the constitutional majority.

The passage now sends the enrolled bill forward per regular legislative process; sponsors said further work would continue on related isolation provisions and training funding in future sessions or budget negotiations.