SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2654

BYRepresentatives Cole, Valle, R. King, Anderson, Scott, Pruitt, Wood, Rust, Basich, Nelson, Belcher, R. Fisher, Dellwo, G. Fisher, Jacobsen, Spanel, Nutley, Wineberry, Fraser, Prentice, Leonard, Wang, Phillips, Holland, Horn, Van Luven, Jones and Brekke

Adopting a policy prohibiting corporal punishment.

House Committe on Education

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Bender, Fleming, Gaspard, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

                  February 23, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

School districts are permitted by rule of the the State Board of Education (WAC 180-40-235) to use corporal punishment to discipline children within the public schools so long as witnesses are present, excessive or cruel and unusual punishment is not used, and the child is not punished in front of anyone other than the witness.

SUMMARY:

The State Board of Education is directed to develop and adopt a policy prohibiting the use of corporal punishment in the schools.  The policy shall be adopted no later than December 1, 1990, and take effect in all school districts no later than September 1, 1991. In developing the policy, the State Board of Education shall consult with the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: PRO:  Dwayne Slate, Washington State School Directors Association; Kennie Endelman, Parent Teachers Association