Kansas House approves restraint rules for schools

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House has approved a bill setting standards for when public schools may physically restrain disruptive students or place them in isolation.

The 82-41 vote Wednesday sends the measure to the Senate.

The bill is backed by advocates for the disabled, who say voluntary guidelines enacted by the State Board of Education don't go far enough to protect students from abuse. Some critics argue the state should leave the issue to its 286 school districts.

Under the bill, physical restraints or placement in a so-called seclusion room couldn't be used as discipline or punishment or for the convenience of staff. Mechanical restraints would be banned.

The bill would limit when a disabled child could be restrained or sent to a seclusion room.