1. (a) As used in this chapter, "physical restraint" means physical contact between a school employee and a student:

   1. (1) in which the student unwillingly participates; and
   2. (2) that involves the use of a manual hold to restrict freedom of movement of all or part of a student's body or to restrict normal access to the student's body.

2. (b) The term does not include:

   1. (1) briefly holding a student without undue force in order to calm or comfort the student, or to prevent unsafe behavior, such as running into traffic or engaging in a physical altercation;
   2. (2) physical escort; or

   3. (3) physical contact intended to gently assist or prompt a student in performing a task or to guide or assist a student from one (1) area to another.

      [Pre-2026 Revision Citation: 20-20-40-5.]

As added by P.L.74-2026, SEC.37.