Signed by Governor Rick Perry

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that authorizes schools to use corporal punishment as a method of student discipline unless a student's parent or guardian has submitted a written, signed statement prohibiting the use of corporal punishment, effective September 1, 2011.

Highlights:

• Authorizes school districts to use corporal punishment as a method of student discipline unless a student's parent or guardian has previously filed a written, signed statement prohibiting the school from using corporal punishment on the student (Sec. 1).

• Defines "corporal punishment" as the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or using any kind of physical force as a means of discipline (Sec. 1).

• Exempts the following from the definition of corporal punishment (Sec. 1):
• Physical pain resulting from reasonable physical activities associated with athletic training, competition, or physical education; and
• The use of restraints.

• Requires each parent or guardian who has submitted a written, signed statement prohibiting the use of corporal punishment to submit separate written, signed statements every year to the Board of Trustees of the school district (Sec. 1).

• This act is effective September 1, 2011 (Sec. 10).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes schools to use corporal punishment as a method of student discipline unless a student's parent or guardian has submitted a written, signed statement prohibiting the use of corporal punishment, effective September 1, 2011.

Highlights:

• Authorizes school districts to use corporal punishment as a method of student discipline unless a student's parent or guardian has previously filed a written, signed statement prohibiting the school from using corporal punishment on the student (Sec. 1).

• Defines "corporal punishment" as the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or using any kind of physical force as a means of discipline (Sec. 1).

• Exempts the following from the definition of corporal punishment (Sec. 1):
• Physical pain resulting from reasonable physical activities associated with athletic training, competition, or physical education; and
• The use of restraints.

• Requires each parent or guardian who has submitted a written, signed statement prohibiting the use of corporal punishment to submit separate written, signed statements every year to the Board of Trustees of the school district (Sec. 1).

• This act is effective September 1, 2011 (Sec. 10).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that grants parents or lawful guardians of a student the right to prohibit a school district from using corporal punishment as a method of student discipline.

Highlights:

• Defines "corporal punishment" as the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any physical force used as a means of discipline (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that in order prohibit the use of corporal punishment as a method of student discipline, the parent or a person who has lawful control over a student must provide a written, signed statement, to the Board of Trustees each school year (Sec. 1).

• Exempts counties with a population of less than 50,000 from certain provisions mandated in this act (Sec. 1).

• Declares that this legislation becomes effective immediately if the bill receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to the House and the Senate, or September 1, 2011 if the bill does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text