Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 125.17D: Regulations Governing Timeout Rooms, Therapeutic Restraints and Aversives in Public Schools and Approved Private Schools, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Education
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A requires legislative authorization before major substantive agency rules may be finally adopted by the agency; and
Whereas, the above-named major substantive rule has been submitted to the Legislature for review; and
Whereas, immediate enactment of this resolve is necessary to record the Legislature's position on final adoption of the rule; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1. Adoption. Resolved: That final adoption of Chapter 125.17D: Regulations Governing Timeout Rooms, Therapeutic Restraints and Aversives in Public Schools and Approved Private Schools, a provisionally adopted major substantive rule of the Department of Education that has been submitted to the Legislature for review pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A, is authorized only if the rule is amended as follows.
1. The rule must be amended to provide that the local policy must be reviewed at least annually.
2. The rule must be amended to require the documentation of a timeout room or therapeutic restraint be provided to the program administrator within 2 school days.
3. The rule must be amended to delete from the definition of "aversive therapy or treatment" the terms "loud noises" and "humiliating practices." The definition must also be amended to delete the unnecessary "etc." that is at the end of the examples of prohibited aversive therapy or treatment.
The Department of Education is not required to hold hearings or conduct other formal proceedings prior to finally adopting the rule in accordance with this resolve.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective May 8, 2001.
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