Bill seeking to restrict school isolation rooms wins preliminary approval

The Arizona House has taken the first steps toward restricting the use of isolation rooms, in public schools.  A bill by Representative Kelly Townsend, to require a parent's permission before putting a child in isolation, has won preliminary approval in the House. Leslie Noyes, who filed suit against the Deer Valley schools, after going to her son's school and asking to see him, testified when the bill was heard in the Health Committee.

“I discovered him in the special education room in a room about the size of the elevator in this building, lying on the floor, completely unresponsive," Noyes said.

Representative Catherine Miranda argued the bill fails to go far enough. She wants isolation rooms banned in public schools. But, Townsend says lawmakers need to take baby steps this year, to make sure the measure is not killed. She promised more far-reaching legislation next session.