Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires Maine school districts to provide at least 4 hours of de-escalation and behavior intervention training to administrators, teachers, and education technicians.

Highlights:

• Requires school districts to provide de-escalation and behavior intervention training to staff every 3 years beginning in the 2026-2027 school year (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that training must be at least 4 hours and cover the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Positive behavior interventions;

• Communicative intent of behavior;

• Alternatives to restraint and environmental triggers;

• De-escalation techniques;

• Use of restraint and seclusion;

• Emergency medical assistance;

• Physical and psychological effects of restraint;

• Monitoring for signs of distress;

• Reporting and documentation procedures; and

• Positive behavior strategies;

• Requires the Department of Education to maintain a list of approved experts who can help support the implementation of these trainings (Sec. 1).

• Requires that new school administrators, teachers, and education technicians must complete training within 60 days of being hired, starting in the 2027–2028 school year (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text