Action Alert #12: Speak Out on Seclusion & Restraint Reforms in Louisiana

Key Changes to Seclusion and Restraint Laws in Louisiana HB684

Senate Education Committee Needs to Hear From You About Changes to Seclusion and Restraint Laws!
HB684, written by Representative Shane Mack, passed the House and will be in the Senate Education Committee tomorrow for review and to hear from the public.

Key Changes to Seclusion and Restraint Laws in Louisiana HB684
HB684 makes many important changes to the laws about seclusion and restraint in Louisiana schools:

• Schools will have to install cameras in certain special education classrooms, even if parents don’t ask.
• The bill gives clear definitions for “seclusion” and “physical restraint” and explains when and how these can be used.
• Teachers will be trained in how to manage crises and handle student behavior as part of their certification process.
• Only trained staff can use physical restraint (except in emergencies until trained staff can arrive).
• Parents will be told they can choose to opt out of seclusion and restraint for their child during IEP meetings.
• If there is video footage of seclusion or restraint being used, it will be reviewed to make sure rules were followed.
• Parents will be notified on the same day if their child is secluded or restrained.
• If a student is secluded or restrained more than twice a year, their behavior plan will be reviewed and updated if needed (this used to be five times).
• The bill lowers the time limit for physical restraint from 5 minutes to 3 minutes.
• Schools must share their policies every year and give them to parents.

Your voice is important! Now is the time to take action!

How to Take Action
Tell the Senate Education Committee about your own experiences with seclusion and restraint. Share with them your thoughts about the changes to the seclusion and restraint law and any ideas you may have on how to make schools and classrooms safer for students with disabilities.

Email or call the Chair and members of the Senate Education Committee before the committee meets Thursday, May 29th

• Find the Chair and your member(s) of the Senate Education Committee at the end of this alert.
• With your comments, please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and bill number (HB684).
• Don’t forget to thank the Chair and members for thinking about the needs of students with disabilities.

Email [email protected] your public comments before the committee meets Thursday, May 29th

• With your comments, please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and bill number (HB684).
• Don’t forget to thank the Chair and members for thinking about the needs of students with disabilities.

Share Your Testimony & Attend Yellow Shirt Day

• Wednesday, May 28th at 1:00 PM
• Louisiana State Capitol – John J. Hainkel, Jr. Room
• Be sure to arrive early so you can get a seat in the committee room

Contact your LaCAN Leader if you need help with this alert or would like more information about Public Testimony and Yellow Day.
Can’t make it for Yellow Shirt Day? You can watch the committee meeting(s) live from the legislature’s website. When the meeting is in progress, click the TV icon.

Confirm Your Action

• Email your LaCAN Leader after you take action
• Why confirm your action? This helps the Council know how effective we are reaching you with important information and engaging members across our state in advocacy for systems change.

Tips & Tools for Advocacy
Looking for tips and tools to help you in your advocacy? Check out the Council’s Advocacy 101 page.
You can also find tips for:

• Writing/emailing your legislators
• Calling your legislators
• Writing your story