The Oklahoma Senate sent Senate Bill 364 to the House on Tuesday by approving the measure meant to curb the use of corporal punishment on students with disabilities. While many school district policies restrict the practice, Senator Dave Rader wants the bill to provide a clear directive on the issue.
“While many schools already prohibit corporal punishment, there are still instances where it is used against children who may struggle to control their behavior or grasp the consequences of their actions,” Rader said. “This legislation protects our most vulnerable students while also providing clarity for educators that physical discipline is off-limits, except in situations where their safety is at risk.”
SB 364 bars the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping or using any other kind of physical force as a means of disciplining a child with a disability.
