Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill That Blocks Restraints For Florida Students With Disabilities

After lawmakers unanimously passed the measure this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a bill that will help prevent the use of devices to res

After lawmakers unanimously passed the measure this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a bill that will help prevent the use of devices to restrain public-school students with disabilities.

The bill (HB 235) will block school employees from using mechanical restraints, though school resource officers and guards would be able to use the devices to restrict students in grades 6 through 12.

Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, a Plantation Democrat who sponsored the measure in the Senate, released a statement Friday that said “Florida now prohibits the use of mechanical restraints in schools for children with exceptionalities, except in emergency situations as a last resort. The use of restraints can be traumatizing and physically harmful for children, and this policy will go a long way toward making sure Florida classrooms are as safe as possible for students with exceptionalities.”

Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsl etter by clicking here.