House bill targets restraint and seclusion in federal schools
In committeeH.R. 6617Latest action
Sponsor: Donald S. Beyer, Jr. · Representative · VA
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Official title: Keeping All Students Safe Act
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Federal bill would ban seclusion and most restraints in schools that get federal money, with same-day parent notification required.
55-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would ban locking students alone in rooms, using devices to restrict movement, giving medication to control behavior without a doctor's order, and any hold that cuts off breathing or blood flow. When physical restraint is used, it can only happen if a student is in immediate danger of serious injury, must be done by trained staff, and must stop as soon as the danger passes. Parents must be told the same day and receive a written report within 24 hours.
Who does it affect?
The bill applies to students, parents, school staff, security guards, and law enforcement in public schools, Head Start programs, and private schools that enroll students receiving federally funded special education services.
Why does it matter?
States would have to submit annual plans and data reports on restraint incidents, broken down by race, disability status, and other characteristics. Programs that break the rules could lose federal funding.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Up to $40M/year (2026–2030)
- Funds school staff training & climate
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedDec 11, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Dec 11, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.