It's amazing to me that even 8 Dems voted against this ... H.R. 4247 - Summary: Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act (GovTrack.us)
What else was attached to the bill? Usually, when people vote against a bill that seems perfectly sensible, there is something hidden in it that is either laden with pork or something else that won't get through unless attached to a 'good bill.'
Two reasons, just off hand: (1) Education falls to the states, and (2) the bill opens up grants for studies on how not to do these things to students (as if one can't figure THAT out, ). That means that next years budget needs to include appropriations for these new grants. WE CAN'T AFFORD to spend more money. We can't afford more government to administer this. (The full bill)
On the face of it, I agree. But when so many are against it, there is usually pork and shit hidden behind the nice bits. This sort of thing angers me, it should not be allowed. And worse, the drooling koolaiders (on both sides) then accuse those who voted against it of being 'pro-rape', 'anti-minority', etc etc etc. It is pathetic partisan political point scoring - I dislike it no matter which side does it.
Because the federal gov't has no business mandating what schools, a local concern, can and cannot do. They aleady got slapped down by the Supreme Court on establishing "gun free zones" as an over-reach. It isn't the goals here, it is the methods. Good for the GOP voting against it.
It leaves open an avenue of more spending. The last thing we need to do is make it easier for Congress to spend money next year. As I said, next years budget will have to include an appropriation for these grants. But, fundamentally, it's an attempt at taking control from states. Public schools are the business of the states (and however they decide to dole out the jurisdiction).