2019 -- H 5552

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LC001322

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

     

     Introduced By: Representative Justine A. Caldwell

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     (by request)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-21 of the General Laws entitled "Health and Safety of Pupils" is

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hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     16-21-37. Seclusion of pupils prohibited.

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     (a) All Rhode Island school districts shall prohibit the involuntary placement of a pupil in

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seclusion except as an emergency intervention to prevent immediate risk of injury to the physical

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safety of the pupil, staff, or other individuals in the school. Involuntary placement in seclusion

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may not be used for discipline, convenience or as a substitute for a less restrictive alternative.

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     (b) For purposes of this section "seclusion" means placing a pupil alone in a locked room

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without supervision.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001322

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS

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     This act would prohibit the use of seclusion in schools except to prevent immediate injury

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to the pupil or others.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001322

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