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House approves ban on certain restraint-based therapies for children; supporters cite harm, opponents warn of scope
Summary
The Utah House passed first substitute House Bill 356 to prohibit certain licensed restraint therapies for children, with supporters citing injuries and deaths and opponents arguing the bill is overly broad and may curtail some therapeutic practices. The measure passed on a floor roll call and will go to the Senate.
The Utah House on March 4 passed first substitute House Bill 356, a measure sponsored by Representative Mike Thompson that would prohibit licensed mental health therapists from administering certain restraint-based therapies to children.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Mike Thompson, said the legislation responds to troubling evidence and testimony about practices he described as harmful. "I have come to believe that this therapy is extremely harmful to those who can least fend for themselves, which is our children," Thompson said on the House floor, citing videos and accounts shown to members and the legislature's review process. Supporters urged immediate action, saying children have…
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