Law bans life-threatening restraint and construction of new isolation rooms
House Bill 1795 (hyperlink: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1795-S.SL.pdf?q=20260403144559) bans life‑threatening restraint and prohibits construction of new isolation rooms, marking the first restraint and isolation legislation to pass in Washington after four years of sustained legislative advocacy. Governor Ferguson signed the bill (hyperlink: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1795&Year=2025&Initiative=false) March 24, and it will take effect June 11, 2026.
The legislation bans mechanical restraint (such as belts, zip ties, or handcuffs), chemical restraint (including medication or pepper spray), and restraint that interferes with breathing or blood flow (including prone, supine, or wall restraints). It prohibits the construction of new isolation rooms, but does not affect existing isolation rooms, nor does it prohibit creation of sensory or calming spaces. Isolation may no longer be used as a planned intervention in a student’s individualized education program (IEP). Planned use of restraint in an IEP now requires written documentation from a licensed health care provider stating it is medically necessary, along with written, informed, voluntary parent/guardian consent.
DRW worked with the Coalition to End Isolation and Reduce Restraint (hyperlink: https://reducerestraint.org/), education associations, advocacy organizations, and individuals with lived experience to advance the streamlined, cost-neutral bill, pared down to accommodate state fiscal constraints. Representative Callan sponsored and introduced the bill after Bainbridge, Concrete, and Auburn School Districts shared successful reduction efforts with House Education Members on the first day of Session.
DRW began monitoring school-based restraint and isolation use in 2018 and published findings in a joint report with the ACLU-WA at the beginning of 2023. For the report, resources, and advocacy backstory, read more here (hyperlink to report page https://disabilityrightswa.org/reports/restraint-and-isolation/)