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LD 1248

An Act Regarding Physical Escort And Restraint And Seclusion Of Students In Schools

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sharon Frost and 7 co-sponsors

Regulates physical escort, restraint, and seclusion in Maine schools, requiring training, documentation, parent notice, and DOE oversight to protect students and staff.

Signed by Governor
#discipline #restraintandseclusion #schoolpolicies
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Bill Summary · LD 1248

Summary — LD 1248: An Act Regarding Physical Escort and Restraint and Seclusion of Students in Schools

Status: Signed by Governor (June 11, 2025)
Introduced: March 25, 2025
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Classification / Subject: School discipline; restraint and seclusion policies

Purpose and intent

LD 1248 addresses the use of physical escort, physical restraint and seclusion of students in Maine schools. The bill’s title indicates its intent to define, regulate or revise school practices and policies regarding these interventions — typically to ensure student safety, protect rights of students (including those with disabilities), standardize staff training, and require documentation and oversight. The full enrolled text should be consulted for precise statutory changes.

Key procedural actions and timeline

  • 2025‑03‑25: Referred to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
  • May–June 2025: Multiple committee work sessions; Committee Amendment “A” (H‑399) adopted.
  • 2025‑06‑03 to 06‑04: Passed both chambers as amended (reports read, amendment adopted).
  • 2025‑06‑11: Signed by the Governor; enacted.

The bill was reported out with a divided report at the committee level and adopted under suspension of rules during legislative consideration.

Fiscal impact

  • Two fiscal notes (as amended and as engrossed) conclude: minor General Fund cost increase.
  • Any additional costs to the Maine Department of Education to implement the bill are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within current budgeted resources.

Who is affected

  • Students in Maine public schools (including students receiving special education services).
  • School personnel (teachers, aides, administrators, school resource officers) who may apply or be subject to new rules for escort, restraint, or seclusion.
  • School districts and the Department of Education (policy, training, reporting, oversight).
  • Parents/guardians, who may be affected by notification or complaint/appeal processes if those are included in the enacted text.

Likely substantive elements (based on bill title and typical state practice)

The specific statutory language was not provided in the materials supplied here. Bills on this subject commonly include some or all of the following; consult the enrolled bill for confirmation:
- Definitions of "physical escort," "physical restraint," and "seclusion."
- Limits or prohibitions on use (e.g., prohibition except to prevent imminent harm).
- Required documentation and reporting of incidents to parents and the Department of Education.
- Training requirements for staff authorized to use these interventions.
- Requirements to use positive behavioral interventions and alternatives before restraint/seclusion.
- Oversight, data collection, and review procedures; potential disciplinary or corrective steps for improper use.

Where to get the full text and next steps

For the precise statutory changes, implementation details, and the effective date, consult the enrolled bill and the Maine Legislature website or the Department of Education guidance issued after enactment. The fiscal note and legislative history indicate the law is enacted with a minor fiscal impact and that administrative implementation will be handled within existing DOE resources.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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