On May 18th, 2023, Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)—alongside Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA)—reintroduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act, legislation to protect students from seclusion and restraint discipline practices in school.
The Keeping All Students Safe Act would prohibit any school receiving federal taxpayer funds to seclude children and would ban dangerous restraint practices that restrict children’s breathing. The bill would also prohibit schools from physically restraining children, except when necessary to protect the safety of students and staff. It would provide training for school personnel to address school-expected behavior, require states to monitor the law’s implementation, and increase transparency and oversight to prevent harm to students.
