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Bill

SB 208

Prohibiting the use of any prone restraint on a juvenile who is in custody at a juvenile detention facility or juvenile correctional facility or being assessed as part of the juvenile intake and assessment system.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill prohibits prone restraints on juveniles in detention/correctional facilities and intake assessments to reduce asphyxiation risks.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 208

Legislative bill overview

SB 208 would prohibit the use of prone restraints (face-down restraints) on juveniles in Kansas detention facilities, correctional facilities, and during intake assessments. The bill targets a specific restraint technique widely recognized as carrying serious health risks, including positional asphyxia.

Why is this important

Prone restraints have been documented as a contributing factor in in-custody deaths of both juveniles and adults. Medical and law enforcement organizations have raised safety concerns about the practice. This bill addresses whether detention facilities should be permitted to use this technique on minors who are in state custody and potentially vulnerable.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational safety concerns: Facility administrators may argue that certain restraint techniques are necessary for staff and inmate safety during violent incidents, and removing options could complicate emergency response protocols
  • Definition and scope: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "prone restraint" could be ambiguous—does it cover all face-down positioning or only specific techniques, and how does it apply during medical emergencies or transportation?
  • Alternative restraint methods: Questions about what approved alternatives exist, whether staff training is adequate, and whether facilities have sufficient resources to implement compliant restraint policies

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

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