Relating to prohibiting the use of a mechanical or physical restraint on a child during a judicial proceeding in the juvenile court.

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

This bill would prevent a mechanical or physical restraint from being used on children in a proceeding before a juvenile court, except for very select circumstances. If a court finds it necessary to restrain a child it must be to prevent physical injury to the child or another, and because the child has a history of disruptive courtroom behavior that has placed others in potentially harmful situations. In the case that a restrain needs to be used, it must be the last restrictive restraint that is effective enough to prevent injury or escape. If this bill passes, the child’s attorney would be given an opportunity to be heard before the court may order the use of mechanical or physical restraints.