New Jersey Senate Bill S1169

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Requires DOE to collect and publish data on use of restraints and seclusion on students with disabilities.

Impact

The implementation of S1169 is expected to be significant for state laws pertaining to educational practices. By establishing a formal protocol for tracking and analyzing data on restraints and seclusions, the bill seeks to ensure that the treatment of students with disabilities aligns with broader educational goals of supporting inclusivity and minimizing the use of extreme disciplinary measures. This could compel schools to adopt more progressive strategies for handling behavioral issues, rather than resorting to restrictive measures.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 1169, introduced in the New Jersey State Legislature, aims to enhance the oversight of practices involving students with disabilities by requiring the Department of Education (DOE) to systematically collect and publish data on the use of physical restraints and seclusion techniques within educational settings. Specifically, the bill mandates annual reporting on how often these interventions are employed, detailing the type, duration, and volume of occurrences, which encourages transparency and accountability in managing students with disabilities.

Contention

During discussions surrounding the bill, various viewpoints emerged relating to the balance between ensuring safety and protecting the rights of students. Advocates for the bill argue that enhanced data collection is a necessary step toward reducing the overuse of restraints and seclusion, which can harm students’ mental health and educational outcomes. Critics, however, might raise concerns about the potential stigmatization of students who are subjected to these interventions and the challenges of ensuring that privacy is adequately protected when releasing such data.