Bill to ban controversial restraint technique from schools advance to governor’s desk

( KRON ) — A bill to ban the use of a controversial restraint technique in California schools has advanced to the desk of California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing and adoption. Senate Bill 483, introduced by State Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), would ban the use of the prone restraint in schools.

The technique is used to physically or mechanically restrain a person in a facedown position. The U.S. Department of Education has recommended banning this type of restraint in schools.

According to disability rights advocate Eric Harris, the technique is disproportionately used against students with disabilities and students of colors.

“This old-fashioned and dangerous practice has harmed and even killed students,” said Harris. “SB 483 is necessary and we are grateful that the legislature has moved the bill forward through the process.”

“SB 483 is about protecting our children and youth while under the care of school staff,” said Sen. Cortese. “It bans the archaic and deadly practice of prone restraint from being used in California schools. It will encourage schools to identify, adopt, and implement evidence-based rehabilitative intervention and prevention strategies to de-escalate situations with students who have behavioral health issues.”

SB 483 has been named “Max Benson’s Law,” after Max Benson , a 13-year-old student with autism who died at an El Dorado Hills school after being held in a prone restraint for over an hour.

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