HB 1795 · Restraint and Isolation in Schools

ans the most harmful physical restraint practices in schools and creates new parental notification and OSPI oversight requirements for any use of isolation or restraint.

Washington permitted schools to physically restrain and isolate students — primarily those with disabilities — as behavioral intervention tools with limited oversight. Students who are Black, Native, and those with disabilities have been subjected to these practices at dramatically disproportionate rates. Documented harm has included physical injury, psychological trauma, and in some cases death. Advocates have pushed for stronger restrictions for years; prior bills failed to advance through the full legislature.

Signed into law March 24, 2026 (Chapter 169, 2026 Laws), ESHB 1795 bans chemical restraint, prone restraints that restrict breathing or blood flow, and mechanical restraints in all public schools. Physical restraint is only permitted when a student poses imminent likelihood of serious harm and less restrictive methods have failed, using minimum necessary force. Beginning August 1, 2027, isolation of pre-K through 5th grade students is prohibited without written authorization from two independent licensed health professionals and written parental consent. Schools must document all incidents, notify parents within 24 hours, and report to OSPI. OSPI publishes annual data and may place non-compliant districts on improvement plans.

• This is a major legislative win after years of advocacy — one of the strongest restraint and isolation restrictions in the country for elementary-age students.
• The disproportionate use of restraint against students with disabilities and students of color makes this a core school-to-prison pipeline issue: these practices traumatize, push students out of school, and create pathways into juvenile justice.
• Implementation begins in phases — the 2027 deadline for elementary isolation gives districts time to build de-escalation capacity, but advocates should monitor whether districts are actually doing so.
• OSPI’s new data collection requirement will make disparities more visible. Coalition members should track their district’s annual incident reports when published.
• Report compliance concerns to OSPI’s Special Education department. Districts that continue prohibited practices risk improvement plans and corrective action.