Bans using seclusion to confine a student

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ian Mackey

The bill bans the use of seclusion to confine students in schools and requires districts to use non-seclusionary, de-escalation and supportive interventions instead.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

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Summary of HB 2183 (2026) – Missouri

Purpose and intent

HB 2183 proposes to prohibit the use of seclusion to confine a student in schools. The bill aims to eliminate a practice that isolates a student as a behavioral management tool, restricting a school’s ability to confine students through seclusion.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition on seclusion: The bill bans the use of seclusion to confine a student. Seclusion is typically understood as involuntary confinement of a student in a room or area from which the student is prevented from leaving.

Scope: The prohibition applies to school settings, addressing practices during school hours and related school activities under state authority.

Alternatives and discipline: While the text provided does not detail specific alternative strategies, bills prohibiting seclusion commonly require districts to use non-seclusionive behavior supports and de-escalation techniques. The bill may implicitly encourage or require schools to implement positive behavior supports, staff training, and individualized crisis intervention planning.

Accountability and enforcement: The bill’s enforcement framework is not fully described in the summary, but such measures typically include reporting requirements, oversight, and potential penalties or corrective action for districts that continue seclusion practices.

Compliance timeline: The action history notes the bill’s progression through the legislature, including first and second readings in January 2026 and referral to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026. Specific compliance timelines (e.g., effective dates) are not provided in the summary.

Who would be affected

Public school districts, charter schools, and any educational programs operating under Missouri law that serve students with disabilities or behavioral needs.

School personnel and administrators who are responsible for student management, crisis intervention, and discipline.

Students, particularly those who have been subject to seclusion as a behavioral management technique.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Prefiled: December 4, 2025

First Reading: January 7, 2026

Second Reading: January 8, 2026

Referred to Emerging Issues (H): May 15, 2026

The summary does not specify an immediate effective date; typical follow-up would include a defined effective date or a phased implementation period if the bill progresses.

Potential impact and considerations

Educational practice: If enacted, schools would need to review and revise disciplinary and crisis management policies to remove seclusion as an option and replace it with approved alternatives.

Training and resources: Districts may require staff training on de-escalation, trauma-informed approaches, and safe, non-seclusionary interventions.

Student safety and rights: The bill aligns with a trend toward safeguarding student rights and reducing potentially harmful confinement practices.

Oversight: Depending on the final language, there could be enhanced reporting requirements or oversight to ensure compliance and to monitor incidents where students are restrained or restricted.

Note: The summary above is based on the bill title and action history. If you need, I can tailor this with more precise details once the full text or fiscal note is available.