Wisconsin assembly to vote on limiting student restraint

MADISON, Wis. — When public school employees could physically restrain or seclude students would be limited under a bill up for a vote in the state Assembly.

Under the proposal to be voted on Thursday, a student must present a clear and immediate danger to themselves or to others to be physically restrained. Any seclusion must be supervised and can last only as long as necessary to resolve risk.

The bill also specifies that only people who have been properly trained should be involved in using any restraint or seclusion tactics, though someone untrained can supervise exclusion in an emergency situation.

The bill has already passed the Senate. If approved by the Assembly and signed by Gov. Scott Walker, it would be in effect for the next school year.