SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5047

BYSenators Pullen and Talmadge

Making technical corrections/use of force.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 12, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Hayner, Nelson, Newhouse, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                  January 12, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, JANUARY 12, 1989

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:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one