Legislation addressing the use of isolation and restraint in Washington public schools moved one step closer to becoming law this week.
On March 5, the Washington State Senate passed HB 1795 on a 28–20 vote. The bill now returns to the House of Representatives for concurrence with Senate amendments — the final legislative step before the measure is sent to Gov. Bob Ferguson for his signature. This step is where House members will vote to accept or agree with the changes made to the bill by the Senate.
Passage of HB 1795 represents a good-faith effort by the Public School Employees of Washington and other K-12 stakeholders to make progress on a complex and sensitive issue.
Paraeducators and other classified staff are often placed in extremely difficult situations when student behavior becomes dysregulated. In moments of crisis, school staff are expected to keep students safe while also protecting themselves and others in the classroom. Too often, those expectations come without sufficient training, staffing, or resources.
HB 1795 takes several targeted steps, including:
- Prohibiting life-threatening restraint practices, including any restraint that restricts breathing or blood flow. Also prohibits chemical and mechanical restraints.
- Isolation may not be used as a planned behavioral intervention in individualized education programs or 504 plans and allows restraint only under specified circumstances.
- Prohibits the construction or establishing any new room or other enclosed area for the primary purpose of student isolation.
Recognizing both the urgency and the complexity of the issue, PSE worked closely with disability advocates, labor partners, and other education stakeholders to advance a very limited bill this session focused on making meaningful progress where agreement was possible.
HB 1795 reflects that collaborative work. The bill takes targeted steps to address the most dangerous restraint practices while acknowledging that broader questions around behavioral interventions, staffing, training, and student supports must continue to be addressed in future Legislative sessions.
For PSE members — especially paraeducators working on the front lines with students every day — this legislation represents an important step forward. It demonstrates that educators, families, and advocates can work together to reduce harm and trauma for students while continuing to prioritize safety in our schools.
The bill now heads back to the House for final approval before reaching the governor’s desk.