SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5693

BYSenators Bailey, Rinehart, Murray, Bender, Fleming, Gaspard and Talmadge

Abolishing corporal punishment in public schools and banning its further use.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5693 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Vice Chairman; Benitz, Metcalf.

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

                  March 1, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Some researchers conclude that corporal punishment is ineffective, potentially detrimental, and ethically offensive to many educators and laypersons.

SUMMARY:

The use of corporal punishment as a means of disciplining students within the public schools is prohibited.  Corporal punishment includes hitting, spanking, slapping, or striking a student or other methods of inflicting physical pain.  Physical restraint of a student when reasonable and necessary to protect any person from physical injury or to prevent the commission of a crime is not prohibited.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

School district boards are directed to adopt written policies prohibiting the use of corporal punishment.  The definition of corporal punishment is deleted.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: PRO:  Carol Mason, Washington Association of Child Abuse Councils; Kris Van Gorkom, Washington Association of School Administrators; CON:  Dwayne Slate, Washington State School Directors' Association; Grant Pelesky, citizen