SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6363

BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Pullen, McCaslin, Rasmussen and Owen)

Permitting parents and guardians to use reasonable and moderate force to discipline a child.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1988; January 25, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6363 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Halsan, Hayner, Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:Jeanne Cushman Scott (786-7461)

                  February 15, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The statute regarding lawful use of force was amended in 1986 to exclude force used to discipline a child and a new statute was enacted to address lawful use of force on children.

It is suggested that use of force to discipline a child should be reinserted as a defense under certain circumstances.

SUMMARY:

The parent, guardian, or authorized agent may use reasonable and moderate force to discipline a child.  Force includes but is not limited to reasonable and moderate physical discipline.

The defense of reasonable and moderate force used to discipline a child is limited by the provisions of the lawful use of force on children statute.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 15, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Mike Redman, WAPA