House passes bill to limit school restraint and seclusion, adds training and reporting requirements

The New Mexico House on final reading passed House Bill 120, 40–23, a measure the sponsor called "a tool for teachers that keeps students safe and treated with dignity." The bill narrows and clarifies definitions for restraint and seclusion, prohibits certain practices (including chemical and prone restraints and mechanical restraints), requires school training and documentation, and strengthens parent notification and follow-up reviews.

Representative Corolla, the bill's sponsor, told the chamber the measure "makes clear which practices are the allowed resort and when there is an immediate risk considered harm, it will allow appropriate and common sense intervention." She and a co-sponsor described the legislation as prioritizing de-escalation and standardizing reporting so districts can address recurring incidents.

Lawmakers debated several specifics for nearly two hours. Representative Baca expressed concern…