Washington Bans Pepper Spray, Handcuffs in Schools

0:00It's March 31st. This is Canada News Today, your AI-powered local news. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson just signed a new law banning school staff from using pepper spray, mace, sedatives, handcuffs, zip ties, or belts to. Restrain students. They also can't pin kids down or press them against walls in ways that cut off breathing or blood flow. This only allows restraints and cases of imminent serious harm to the student or others. After three failed tries, the bill passed mostly along party lines, sponsored by Representative Lisa Callan. It doesn't outright ban isolation rooms, but stops schools from building or remodeling them. Lawmakers aim to phase out isolation in pre-K through 12th grade by 2031, pushing for teacher training instead. Advocates for disability rights. Call it a solid step, saying these practices traumatize kids, especially those with disabilities, black students, or. In foster care, they link it to PTSD, dropouts, and lost trust in schools.

1:04Some districts like Seattle and Spokane already ditched isolation after legal pushes. Educators worry it strips away protection tools when behaviors turn dangerous, and they want funding for training and more staff. The law clarifies restraints aren't for discipline, and allows them in a student's individualized education plan only with parent consent and medical. Okay. Schools must report incidents fast to parents and the state, with public data breakdowns each year. This sets clearer rules to keep everyone safer, while building better ways to handle tough moments in class.