SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6363

BYSenators 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)

                  January 25, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, JANUARY 25, 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 corporal punishment.  Force may not exceed the level prescribed in the lawful use of force on children statute.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

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