Oregon’s House of Representatives Must Oppose a Loophole Ridden Bill that Would Reinstate the Use of Restraint on Students

Proposed legislation would roll back Oregon’s strong prohibitions on all forms of restraint in Oregon’s education system while putting neurodivergent students at risk. 

SALEM, OR   –  The Oregon House of Representatives Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services is Considering House Bill 3835 during a hearing scheduled for March 20, 2025.  The proposed bill would reinstate the use of all forms of restraint on students in Oregon’s educational settings including physical restraint.  Americans for Autism Advocacy opposes House Bill 3835 and issues the following comment:

“Oregon legislators could take The Beaver State backwards compared to other states that completely ban one form or another of restraint usage against students in educational settings. Over 30-plus states completely ban at least some form of restraint usage on students. Oregon has been a national leader by being one of 22 states that completely bans chemical, mechanical, and physical restraints in educational settings. Passing House Bill 3835 would set Oregon back and put neurodivergent students at risk.  Oregon legislators are urged to not advance House Bill 3835 out of the Early Childhood and Human Services committee. There should be a more thoughtful discussion to ensure positive behavior intervention methods are used in educational settings.  Oregon must continue to be a national leader on eliminating restraint in education settings and not lower their standards like their neighboring states.”