{
 "AK": {
  "code": "AK",
  "name": "Alaska",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1989,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "4 AAC 07.010(c) (State Board of Education and Early Development regulation)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/aac.asp#4.07.010",
  "statute_quote": "The use of corporal punishment in Alaska public schools is prohibited.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Banned by State Board of Education regulation, not statute: 4 AAC 07.010(c) in the Alaska Administrative Code.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/aac.asp#4.07.010"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "AL": {
  "code": "AL",
  "name": "Alabama",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "Ala. Code § 16-28A-1 (teachers may use corporal punishment 'as may be prescribed by the local board'; immunity if policy followed)",
  "statute_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-16-education/al-code-sect-16-28a-1/",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "No statutory limits: no consent, disability, witness, instrument or record rules. Third-highest per-capita use (5.4 per 1,000 in 2021-22; 4,083 students; 4,352 in 2023-24, the only large-use state that rose). No ban bill found in 2023 or 2026; the 2024 and 2025 sessions could not be searched (site blocks automation).",
  "sources": [
   "https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-16-education/al-code-sect-16-28a-1/",
   "https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-16-education/al-code-sect-16-1-24-1/"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "AR": {
  "code": "AR",
  "name": "Arkansas",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "A.C.A. § 6-18-505(c) (as amended by Act 557 of 2019), § 6-18-503(b), § 6-17-112",
  "statute_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-6-education/ar-code-sect-6-18-503/",
  "limits": [
   "No corporal punishment on a child who is intellectually disabled, non-ambulatory, non-verbal, or autistic (Act 557 of 2019, SB 381)",
   "Only for cause, reasonable, after warning, by a teacher or administrator, in the presence of an administrator or designee (§ 6-18-503(b)); district must authorize it in its written discipline policy"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "SB 59 (Act 165)",
    "session": "2023",
    "sponsor": "Sen. Linda Chesterfield",
    "summary": "Expanded staff authority to use 'reasonable and appropriate physical force'; not a ban",
    "status": "signed",
    "url": "https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=SB59&ddBienniumSession=2023%2F2023R"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "Second-highest per-capita use (6.3 per 1,000 in 2021-22; 3,165 students). A 2025 thesis reportedly counts 171 districts (72 percent) allowing and 51 banning. The disability ban is Act 557 of 2019, not 'Act 1249 of 2021' as some lists say. No ban bill found 2025-26 (Arkansans Against School Paddling tracker). Because § 6-18-503(b) lets a district use corporal punishment only if its written discipline policy authorizes it, an Arkansas district whose policy and handbook are silent may not use it; the record keeps such districts as silent (no rule in their own words), but in practice silence is a prohibition here (Hot Springs superintendent, 2026-10-10).",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=/ACTS/2019R/Public/ACT557.pdf",
   "https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-6-education/ar-code-sect-6-18-503/",
   "https://banpaddlingar.com/bill-tracker/"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "AZ": {
  "code": "AZ",
  "name": "Arizona",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "A.R.S. § 15-843(B)(2) (boards prescribe 'procedures for using corporal punishment if allowed by the governing board')",
  "statute_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00843.htm",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "SB1594",
    "session": "2026",
    "sponsor": "Sen. Lela Alston (D)",
    "summary": "Prohibit corporal punishment by any district or charter employee; second read Feb 4, 2026, no further action",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2R/bills/SB1594P.htm"
   },
   {
    "number": "SB1478",
    "session": "2025",
    "sponsor": "Sens. Alston, Burch, Epstein, Kuby (D)",
    "summary": "Prohibit corporal punishment; died without a hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1812352"
   },
   {
    "number": "SB1379",
    "session": "2024",
    "sponsor": "Sen. Lela Alston (D) + 12",
    "summary": "Prohibit corporal punishment; died without a hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1688107"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB2071",
    "session": "2023",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Laura Terech (D) + 14",
    "summary": "Prohibit corporal punishment; died without a hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1519846"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "Districts set their own rules; 72 students in 2021-22, 202 in 2023-24. A ban bill has been filed every year since 2023 and never received a hearing.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00843.htm",
   "https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2R/bills/SB1594P.htm"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "CA": {
  "code": "CA",
  "name": "California",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1986,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Cal. Educ. Code § 49001(b)",
  "statute_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&sectionNum=49001.",
  "statute_quote": "No person employed by or engaged in a public school shall inflict, or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment upon a pupil.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&sectionNum=49001."
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "CO": {
  "code": "CO",
  "name": "Colorado",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 2023,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "C.R.S. § 22-1-140 (HB23-1191)",
  "statute_url": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1191",
  "statute_quote": "A person employed by or volunteering in a public school, as defined in section 22-1-101, shall not impose corporal punishment on a child.",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "Signed and effective April 20, 2023; covers public schools including charters and licensed child care, not private schools. Before the law, 154 of 178 districts already prohibited it. House 48-16, Senate 32-0.",
  "sources": [
   "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1191",
   "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2023a_1191_signed.pdf"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "CT": {
  "code": "CT",
  "name": "Connecticut",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1989,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-18(a)(6) (P.A. 89-186; no express prohibition in Title 10)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_951.htm#sec_53a-18",
  "statute_quote": "A teacher or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a minor for school purposes may use reasonable physical force upon such minor when and to the extent such teacher or other person reasonably believes such force to be necessary to (A) protect such teacher, other person or others from immediate physical injury, (B) obtain possession of a dangerous instrument or controlled substance, as defined in section 21a-240, upon or within the control of such minor, (C) protect property from physical damage, or (D) restrain such minor or remove such minor to another area, to maintain order.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "No education statute expressly prohibits corporal punishment. The Penal Code's justification for school personnel, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-18(a)(6) (added by P.A. 89-186 in 1989), permits reasonable force only to protect persons, seize a dangerous instrument or drugs, protect property, or restrain or remove a student, and § 53a-18(a)(1) excludes persons supervising a minor for school purposes from the parental discipline justification; Connecticut is treated as banned on that basis.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_951.htm#sec_53a-18"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "DC": {
  "code": "DC",
  "name": "District of Columbia",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1977,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "5-E DCMR § 2403 (D.C. Board of Education rule; 24 DCR 1005, 1039 (July 29, 1977), amended 35 DCR 6013 (1988) and 49 DCR 3485 (2002))",
  "statute_url": "https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleDetail.aspx?RuleId=R0024975&SectionNumber=5-E2403",
  "statute_quote": "The use of corporal punishment in any form is strictly prohibited in and during all aspects of the public school environment or school activities.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Banned by D.C. Board of Education rule, not statute: 5-E DCMR § 2403, final rulemaking published at 24 DCR 1005, 1039 (July 29, 1977), amended 1988 and 2002. The dcregs.dc.gov entry confirms the citation and rulemaking dates but its 'View text' file did not load; the quoted sentence is from DCPS's reproduction of § 2403 in its 2021-22 Social Work Guidebook on dcps.dc.gov.",
  "sources": [
   "https://dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/RuleDetail.aspx?RuleId=R0024975&SectionNumber=5-E2403",
   "https://dcps.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dcps/page_content/attachments/21-22-DCPS-Social-Work-Guidebook.pdf"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "DE": {
  "code": "DE",
  "name": "Delaware",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 2003,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "14 Del. C. § 702(b)",
  "statute_url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title14/c007/index.html#702",
  "statute_quote": "No public school teacher, administrator, official employee or agent of the School Board may subject a student enrolled in the school district to corporal punishment.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title14/c007/index.html#702"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "FL": {
  "code": "FL",
  "name": "Florida",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "Fla. Stat. § 1003.32(1)(k) (teacher authority per board policy) and § 1002.20(4)(c) (as amended by CS/HB 1255, 2025, ch. 2025-110)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/1002.20",
  "limits": [
   "Since July 1, 2025 a board that authorizes it must require parental consent, for the school year or before each instance (the statute says 'consent,' not 'written consent'); the board must review the policy at a public meeting every three years or the authorization expires; charters must comply (§ 1002.33(16)(b)17)",
   "Principal approval in principle and principal guidelines; another adult present and informed of the reason; written explanation to the parent on request (§ 1003.32(1)(k))",
   "No disability ban"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "HB 109 / SB 662",
    "session": "2026",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Johanna López (D), Sen. Mack Bernard (D)",
    "summary": "Full ban for district employees; died in committee March 13, 2026",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/109"
   },
   {
    "number": "CS/HB 1255",
    "session": "2025",
    "sponsor": "Reps. Dana Trabulsy and Chase Tramont (R)",
    "summary": "Omnibus education bill adding the parental-consent requirement; final votes 100-0 and 30-0; signed May 30, 2025",
    "status": "signed",
    "url": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1255"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 439 / SB 1318",
    "session": "2024",
    "sponsor": "Reps. Waldron, Beltran, Garcia, Gottlieb, Stark; Sen. Thompson",
    "summary": "Remove teacher authority, require notification, ban for specified students; favorable in subcommittee, died March 8, 2024",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/439"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "17 of 67 districts reported 516 instances in 2023-24 (Suwannee 74, Holmes 65, Calhoun 59, Columbia 50, Wakulla 45, Washington 43); 647 students in the 2021-22 federal count. Districts that still permit it are coded consent_required. The consent law came from a four-year University of Florida student campaign after a disability-only ban was blocked. Hendry County banned it in 2021 after a principal was filmed paddling a six-year-old.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1255",
   "https://laws.flrules.org/2025/110",
   "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/1002.20",
   "https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1255/Analyses/h1255z1.SAS.PDF"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "GA": {
  "code": "GA",
  "name": "Georgia",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "O.C.G.A. §§ 20-2-730 to 20-2-732",
  "statute_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-20-education/ga-code-sect-20-2-731/",
  "limits": [
   "Not excessive or unduly severe; not a first-line punishment unless the pupil was warned; administered in the presence of a principal, assistant principal or designee informed beforehand in the pupil's presence; written explanation to the parent on request",
   "No corporal punishment on a child whose parent filed, on the day of enrollment, a Georgia-licensed physician's statement that it would be detrimental to the child's mental or emotional stability (§ 20-2-731)"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "HB 356",
    "session": "2023",
    "sponsor": "Reps. Debra Bazemore, James Beverly, Sam Park, Carolyn Hugley (D)",
    "summary": "Prohibit corporal punishment in any public school; died after second reading",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HB356/2023"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "Near-dormant: a May 2026 Savannah Morning News review identified six districts with permitting policies (Wilcox, Laurens, Coffee, Tattnall, Appling, Heard; reported). 1,547 students in 2021-22; 1,127 in 2023-24. No ban bill in 2025-26.",
  "sources": [
   "https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-20-education/ga-code-sect-20-2-731/",
   "https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HB356/2023"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "HI": {
  "code": "HI",
  "name": "Hawaii",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1973,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Haw. Rev. Stat. § 302A-1141",
  "statute_url": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0302A/HRS_0302A-1141.htm",
  "statute_quote": "No physical punishment of any kind may be inflicted upon any pupil, except as provided for under sections 302A-1141.4 and 703-309(2).",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Early adopter",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0302A/HRS_0302A-1141.htm"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "IA": {
  "code": "IA",
  "name": "Iowa",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1989,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Iowa Code § 280.21(1)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/280.21.pdf",
  "statute_quote": "An employee of a public school district, accredited nonpublic school, or area education agency shall not inflict, or cause to be inflicted, corporal punishment upon a student.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Banned in both public and private schools",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/280.21.pdf"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "ID": {
  "code": "ID",
  "name": "Idaho",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 2023,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "Idaho Code § 33-1224 (H.B. 281, 2023, ch. 246)",
  "statute_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title33/T33CH12/SECT33-1224/",
  "statute_quote": "However, corporal punishment shall not be used.",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "Signed April 3, 2023, effective July 1, 2023. Bundled with restraint and seclusion limits; private schools removed by Senate amendment. House 45-22, Senate 21-12.",
  "sources": [
   "https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2023/legislation/H0281/",
   "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title33/T33CH12/SECT33-1224/"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "IL": {
  "code": "IL",
  "name": "Illinois",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1994,
  "private_schools_covered": true,
  "statute": "105 ILCS 5/24-24 (public) and 5/22-100 (all schools, P.A. 103-0806)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=103-0806",
  "statute_quote": "The policy shall prohibit the use of corporal punishment, as defined in Section 22-100, in all circumstances.",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "Public-school ban dates to the mid-1990s (reported). HB 4175 (Rep. Margaret Croke) extended it to nonpublic schools; signed August 9, 2024, effective January 1, 2025.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=103-0806",
   "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=010500050K24-24"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "IN": {
  "code": "IN",
  "name": "Indiana",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "No corporal punishment statute; IC 20-33-8-8(b) (school personnel 'stand in the relation of parents' and may take 'any disciplinary action necessary')",
  "statute_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-20-education/in-code-sect-20-33-8-8/",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "SB 531",
    "session": "2025",
    "sponsor": "Sen. J.D. Ford (D)",
    "summary": "Ban corporal punishment in public, charter and state-accredited nonpublic schools; no hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/531/details"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "No law explicitly bans or allows it; 8 students reported in 2021-22, 16 in 2017-18. SB 531's inclusion of nonpublic schools confirms no existing private-school ban.",
  "sources": [
   "https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-20-education/in-code-sect-20-33-8-8/",
   "https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/531/details"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "KS": {
  "code": "KS",
  "name": "Kansas",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "No school corporal punishment statute; only K.S.A. 21-5602 (criminal child abuse, 'cruel and inhuman corporal punishment')",
  "statute_url": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_056_0002.html",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "The state education department's general counsel (May 2025): 'there are no state laws that address corporal punishment' for K-12. The Kansas Association of School Boards model policy JDA says corporal punishment 'shall not be permitted,' adopted by many districts. Zero students reported in 2017-18, 2020-21 and 2021-22. No bill 2023-26. Kept as 'legal' because nothing prohibits it; effectively unused.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.ksnt.com/news/kansas/can-teachers-slap-students-in-kansas-what-the-law-says/",
   "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_056_0002.html"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "KY": {
  "code": "KY",
  "name": "Kentucky",
  "status": "partial",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "KRS 503.110 (permits); 704 KAR 7:170 (regulates)",
  "statute_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/704/007/170/",
  "limits": [
   "Under 704 KAR 7:170 (effective Aug 30, 2022) a district that permits it must obtain annual written and per-instance verbal parental consent, use a same-gender certified witness, no instruments, provide counseling by the next school day, and may not use it on students with IEPs or 504 plans, homeless or foster youth"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "HB 22",
    "session": "2020 Regular Session",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Steve Riley (R)",
    "summary": "Ban corporal punishment in schools; passed House 65-17, died in Senate Education",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/hb22.html"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 119",
    "session": "2022 Regular Session",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Steve Riley (R)",
    "summary": "Ban corporal punishment in schools; died in committee",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/22rs/hb119.html"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "All 171 districts had prohibiting policies by November 2, 2023; zero incidents in 2023-24 (5 in 2022-23, 142 in 2019-20, about 1,100 in 2011-12). The statute still permits it, and advocates want a ban in law because policies can be reversed.",
  "sources": [
   "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/704/007/170/",
   "https://nkytribune.com/2025/01/kentucky-records-zero-instances-of-corporal-punishment-during-2023-2024-school-year/",
   "https://www.lpm.org/news/2021-12-01/kentucky-board-of-education-limits-corporal-punishment-in-schools"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "LA": {
  "code": "LA",
  "name": "Louisiana",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "La. R.S. 17:416.1(B) (public; Acts 2017 No. 266, 2023 No. 268, 2024 No. 780) and 17:416.22 (state-funded nonpublic schools)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81025",
  "limits": [
   "Prohibited in any public school unless the parent gives written consent for that school year on a form created by the state Department of Education (Act 268 of 2023, HB 242, effective August 1, 2023)",
   "No corporal punishment on a student with an exceptionality (other than gifted) or an Individual Accommodation Plan (Act 266 of 2017)",
   "Taping a student's mouth or otherwise restricting the airway is prohibited regardless of consent (Act 780 of 2024, HB 107)",
   "The same rules apply to any nonpublic school that receives state funds (R.S. 17:416.22)"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "HB 242 (Act 268)",
    "session": "2023 Regular Session",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Stephanie Hilferty",
    "summary": "Written annual parental opt-in on a state form; House 74-21, Senate 37-1, signed June 9, 2023",
    "status": "signed",
    "url": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=23RS&b=HB242"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 107 (Act 780)",
    "session": "2024 Regular Session",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Bayham",
    "summary": "Ban on mouth-taping and airway restriction regardless of consent; law without signature June 25, 2024",
    "status": "signed",
    "url": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=24RS&b=HB107"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 649",
    "session": "2022 Regular Session",
    "sponsor": "",
    "summary": "Opt-in consent; passed the House, died at sine die (the Global Initiative wrongly reports it as passed)",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=22RS&b=HB649"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 324",
    "session": "2021 Regular Session",
    "sponsor": "",
    "summary": "Full ban; failed the House 48-49",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=21RS&b=HB324"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "Louisiana is the clearest opt-in state: since August 2023 a school may not paddle without the parent's signed annual consent on the state form. A 2022 survey found 27 systems prohibiting and 19 allowing of 46 responding. 264 students in 2021-22; 65 in 2023-24. No bill in 2025 or 2026.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81025",
   "https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=1337955",
   "https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=23RS&b=HB242",
   "https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=24RS&b=HB107"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "MA": {
  "code": "MA",
  "name": "Massachusetts",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1971,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Mass. Gen. Laws c. 71, § 37G(a)",
  "statute_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section37G",
  "statute_quote": "The power of the school committee or of any teacher or any other employee or agent of the school committee to maintain discipline upon school property shall not include the right to inflict corporal punishment upon any pupil.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Second state to ban (104 years after NJ)",
  "sources": [
   "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section37G"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "MD": {
  "code": "MD",
  "name": "Maryland",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1993,
  "private_schools_covered": true,
  "statute": "Md. Educ. § 7-306(b) (public); § 2-206(e)(3)(ii) (nonpublic, HB 185, 2023 ch. 671)",
  "statute_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0185?ys=2023RS",
  "statute_quote": "Notwithstanding any bylaw, rule, or regulation made or approved by the State Board, a principal, vice principal, or other employee may not administer corporal punishment to discipline a student in a public school in the State.",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "Nonpublic-school ban effective July 1, 2023, through the State Board's certificate of approval; schools operated by a bona fide church organization are exempt from the certificate requirement.",
  "sources": [
   "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0185?ys=2023RS",
   "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ged&section=7-306&enactments=false"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "ME": {
  "code": "ME",
  "name": "Maine",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1975,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "17-A M.R.S. § 106(2) (Criminal Code justification; no express prohibition, see notes)",
  "statute_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec106.html",
  "statute_quote": "A teacher or other person entrusted with the care or supervision of a person for special and limited purposes is justified in using a reasonable degree of nondeadly force against any such person who creates a disturbance when and to the extent that the teacher or other entrusted person reasonably believes it necessary to control the disturbing behavior or to remove a person from the scene of such disturbance.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Early adopter. No education statute expressly prohibits corporal punishment (Title 20-A chapter 201 has no such section). The Criminal Code's justification for teachers, 17-A M.R.S. § 106(2) (enacted 1975), permits reasonable nondeadly force only to control a disturbance or remove a student, and 20-A M.R.S. § 4009(1) limits civil immunity the same way; Maine is treated as banned on that basis.",
  "sources": [
   "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec106.html",
   "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/20-A/title20-Asec4009.html"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "MI": {
  "code": "MI",
  "name": "Michigan",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1989,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Mich. Comp. Laws § 380.1312(3)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-380-1312",
  "statute_quote": "A person employed by or engaged as a volunteer or contractor by a local or intermediate school board or public school academy shall not inflict or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment upon any pupil under any circumstances.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-380-1312"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "MN": {
  "code": "MN",
  "name": "Minnesota",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1989,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Minn. Stat. § 121A.58, subd. 2",
  "statute_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/121A.58",
  "statute_quote": "An employee or agent of a district shall not inflict corporal punishment or cause corporal punishment to be inflicted upon a pupil to reform unacceptable conduct or as a penalty for unacceptable conduct.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/121A.58"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "MO": {
  "code": "MO",
  "name": "Missouri",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "RSMo 160.261 (as amended by SBs 681 and 662, 2022)",
  "statute_url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=160.261",
  "limits": [
   "No pupil may be subject to corporal punishment without the parent being notified and providing written permission (opt-in, effective August 28, 2022)",
   "Spanking must be administered by certificated personnel in the presence of a district-employee witness to be exempt from the abuse definition (160.261.10)",
   "Each board's written discipline policy must state its determination on corporal punishment"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "HB 2827",
    "session": "2026",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Jo Doll (D)",
    "summary": "Require every district policy to prohibit corporal punishment; referred May 15, 2026, no hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2827&year=2026&code=R"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 1581",
    "session": "2024",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern (D)",
    "summary": "Require district policies to prohibit corporal punishment; no hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1581&year=2024&code=R"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 121",
    "session": "2023",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Maggie Nurrenbern (D)",
    "summary": "Require district policies to prohibit corporal punishment; no hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB121&year=2023&code=R"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 160",
    "session": "2023",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Ian Mackey (D)",
    "summary": "Require district policies to prohibit corporal punishment; no hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB160&year=2023&code=R"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "At least 123 districts authorized corporal punishment for 2022-23 (Columbia Missourian, April 2023). Cassville R-IV reinstated opt-in paddling in August 2022. 1,133 students in 2021-22; 1,002 in 2023-24. Ban bills have never received a hearing.",
  "sources": [
   "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=160.261",
   "https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2827&year=2026&code=R"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "MS": {
  "code": "MS",
  "name": "Mississippi",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-57 (as amended by HB 1182, 2019, Laws 2019 ch. 354)",
  "statute_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-37/chapter-11/section-37-11-57/",
  "limits": [
   "No corporal punishment on any student with a disability (IEP or 504 plan), with no immunity for violations (effective July 1, 2019). No consent, witness, instrument or record requirements in statute"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "HB 306",
    "session": "2026",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Carl Mickens (D)",
    "summary": "Full ban; died in committee Feb 3, 2026",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0306.xml"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 1187",
    "session": "2026",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Carolyn Crawford (R)",
    "summary": "Parental opt-in and annual notice; died in committee Feb 3, 2026",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1187.xml"
   },
   {
    "number": "SB 2296",
    "session": "2026",
    "sponsor": "Sen. Sollie Norwood (D)",
    "summary": "Full ban; died in committee Feb 3, 2026",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2296.xml"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 269 / HB 794 / SB 2614",
    "session": "2025",
    "sponsor": "Mickens (ban), Crawford (opt-in), Norwood (ban)",
    "summary": "All died in committee without a hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0269.xml"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 70 / HB 1514 / SB 2375",
    "session": "2024",
    "sponsor": "Mickens, Crawford, Norwood",
    "summary": "All died in committee",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2024/pdf/history/HB/HB0070.xml"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 158 / HB 291 / SB 2577",
    "session": "2023",
    "sponsor": "Mickens, Crawford, Norwood",
    "summary": "All died in committee",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2023/pdf/history/HB/HB0158.xml"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "Highest per-capita use in the nation: 3,678 students in 2021-22 (8.3 per 1,000), 20,309 in 2017-18. Students with disabilities struck fell from 3,304 to 30 after the 2019 law, though Mississippi Today reported 211 paddlings of students with disabilities after the ban. Twelve bills in four sessions, three per year from the same three sponsors (a Democratic full ban in each chamber and a Republican opt-in), have all died in committee without a hearing. February 2025: an East Jasper third-grader's arm was broken during a paddling the mother had approved; no action found.",
  "sources": [
   "https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-37/chapter-11/section-37-11-57/",
   "http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2019/pdf/history/HB/HB1182.xml",
   "https://mississippitoday.org/2023/02/07/corporal-punishment-mississippi-schools/",
   "https://www.wdam.com/2025/03/06/heidelberg-mom-demanding-answers-school-leaders-after-sons-arm-broken-during-paddling/"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "MT": {
  "code": "MT",
  "name": "Montana",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1991,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Mont. Code Ann. § 20-4-302(3)",
  "statute_url": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0200/chapter_0040/part_0030/section_0020/0200-0040-0030-0020.html",
  "statute_quote": "A person who is employed or engaged by a school district may not inflict or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment on a pupil.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0200/chapter_0040/part_0030/section_0020/0200-0040-0030-0020.html"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "NC": {
  "code": "NC",
  "name": "North Carolina",
  "status": "partial",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "G.S. 115C-390.4",
  "statute_url": "https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_115c/gs_115c-390.4.html",
  "limits": [
   "Local board decides; witness required; written parental notice; records; annual report to State Board by race, sex and disability; written parental opt-out offered at enrollment (an opted-out student may be suspended for offenses that otherwise would not require it)"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "HB 983",
    "session": "2025-26",
    "sponsor": "Reps. Maria Cervania and Marcia Morey (D)",
    "summary": "Prohibit corporal punishment in schools; in House Rules since April 14, 2025",
    "status": "pending",
    "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H983"
   },
   {
    "number": "S714",
    "session": "2025-26",
    "sponsor": "Sen. Gladys Robinson (D) with Sen. Kevin Corbin (R) among sponsors",
    "summary": "Prohibit corporal punishment in schools; in Senate Rules since March 26, 2025",
    "status": "pending",
    "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S714"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "All 115 districts had stopped the practice by October 2, 2018 (Robeson County April 2018, Graham County October 2, 2018) after two decades of advocacy by NC Child; 57 students reported struck in 2017-18, none since. Stopping is not the same as repealing: as of October 2026 at least two boards still carry a permissive written policy (Bladen County 4355, revised 2011; Randolph County 4355 with its record-of-corporal-punishment form), while most boards use the NCSBA model 4302 language that forbids it. A 2019 bipartisan ban bill cleared House Education and stalled; HB 983 (2025) is pending.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_115c/gs_115c-390.4.html",
   "https://www.ednc.org/corporal-punishment-in-nc-the-end-is-near/",
   "https://www.wunc.org/education/2018-10-18/graham-county-schools-end-corporal-punishment"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "ND": {
  "code": "ND",
  "name": "North Dakota",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1989,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "N.D. Cent. Code § 15.1-19-02(1)",
  "statute_url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t15-1c19.html#15.1-19-02",
  "statute_quote": "A school district employee may not inflict, cause to be inflicted, or threaten to inflict corporal punishment on a student.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t15-1c19.html#15.1-19-02",
   "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t15-1c19.pdf"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "NE": {
  "code": "NE",
  "name": "Nebraska",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1988,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-295 (Laws 1988, LB 316)",
  "statute_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=79-295",
  "statute_quote": "Corporal punishment shall be prohibited in public schools.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=79-295"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "NH": {
  "code": "NH",
  "name": "New Hampshire",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 2022,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "RSA 161:14 (2022, 2:1); RSA 627:6, II(a) (no express prohibition in Title XV, see notes)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XII/161/161-14.htm",
  "statute_quote": "Each state agency shall provide in its policies and procedures related to children that all forms of corporal punishment are prohibited.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "No education statute expressly prohibits corporal punishment in public schools, and the Department of Education's Ed 300 rules do not mention it. RSA 161:14 (2022, 2:1, effective March 27, 2022) requires every state agency serving children to prohibit all forms of corporal punishment in its policies and defines 'agency' to include any public or private entity under contract or agreement with the Department of Education to provide services to children; the Criminal Code's justification for teachers, RSA 627:6, II(a), permits necessary force only when a minor creates a disturbance, refuses to leave the premises, or to prevent injury. year_banned reflects RSA 161:14; before 2022 the state had no express prohibition and no reported use.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XII/161/161-14.htm",
   "https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LXII/627/627-6.htm"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "NJ": {
  "code": "NJ",
  "name": "New Jersey",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1867,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "N.J. Stat. Ann. § 18A:6-1 (L.1967, c.271)",
  "statute_url": "https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu",
  "statute_quote": "No person employed or engaged in a school or educational institution, whether public or private, shall inflict or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment upon a pupil attending such school or institution; but any such person may, within the scope of his employment, use and apply such amounts of force as is reasonable and necessary: (1) to quell a disturbance, threatening physical injury to others; (2) to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon the person or within the control of a pupil; (3) for the purpose of self-defense; and (4) for the protection of persons or property; and such acts, or any of them, shall not be construed to constitute corporal punishment within the meaning and intendment of this section.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "First state to ban. Banned in both public and private schools",
  "sources": [
   "https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "NM": {
  "code": "NM",
  "name": "New Mexico",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 2011,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "NMSA 1978 § 22-5-4.3(B) (HB 172, 2011, Laws 2011 ch. 97)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legType=B&legNo=172&year=11",
  "statute_quote": "Corporal punishment shall be prohibited by each local school board and each governing body of a charter school.",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "Signed April 6, 2011 by Gov. Susana Martinez (R); effective June 17, 2011 (computed). House 36-31, Senate 22-17. Only 36 of 89 districts still permitted it at passage.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legType=B&legNo=172&year=11",
   "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/11%20Regular/final/HB0172.pdf"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "NV": {
  "code": "NV",
  "name": "Nevada",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1993,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Nev. Rev. Stat. § 392.4633(1)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-392.html#NRS392Sec4633",
  "statute_quote": "Corporal punishment must not be administered upon a pupil in any public school.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-392.html#NRS392Sec4633"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "NY": {
  "code": "NY",
  "name": "New York",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1985,
  "private_schools_covered": true,
  "statute": "N.Y. Educ. Law §§ 305, 1125 (A5010A/S5261A, 2023 ch. 551)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S5261/amendment/A",
  "statute_quote": "The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations prohibiting a teacher, administrator, officer, employee or agent of any school within the state from using corporal punishment.",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "Public-school ban by regulation since 1985; the 2023 law, signed October 25, 2023, directs the Commissioner to prohibit corporal punishment in any school in the state, public or private.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S5261/amendment/A",
   "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EDN/305"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "OH": {
  "code": "OH",
  "name": "Ohio",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 2009,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Ohio Rev. Code § 3319.41(A)",
  "statute_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3319.41",
  "statute_quote": "No person employed or engaged as a teacher, principal, administrator, nonlicensed school employee, or bus driver in a public school may inflict or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment as a means of discipline upon a pupil attending such school.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Enforcement began October 15, 2009",
  "sources": [
   "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3319.41"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "OK": {
  "code": "OK",
  "name": "Oklahoma",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "70 O.S. § 24-100.4(C) (teacher has a parent's right to discipline 'according to district policies'; formerly § 6-114); 21 O.S. § 844 ('spanking, switching or paddling'); 70 O.S. § 13-116 (disability ban, SB 364, 2025)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os70.pdf",
  "limits": [
   "No corporal punishment on any student identified with a disability under IDEA (SB 364, Laws 2025 ch. 99; law without the governor's signature May 8, 2025; effective about August 28, 2025 by constitutional default since the emergency clause failed)",
   "70 O.S. § 24-100.4(D): the State Board may not proscribe corporal punishment except for IEP students, so Kentucky's regulatory route is closed by statute in Oklahoma",
   "No statewide consent, witness, instrument or record rules"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "SB 364",
    "session": "2025",
    "sponsor": "Sen. Dave Rader and Rep. Anthony Moore (R)",
    "summary": "Ban corporal punishment for any student with an IDEA disability; Senate 31-16, House 63-25; became law without Gov. Stitt's signature",
    "status": "signed",
    "url": "http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=SB364&Session=2500"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 2244",
    "session": "2025",
    "sponsor": "",
    "summary": "Reporting requirement; stalled",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB2244&Session=2500"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 1028",
    "session": "2023-24",
    "sponsor": "Rep. John Talley (R)",
    "summary": "Disability ban; failed 45-43 March 14, 2023, passed 84-8 on reconsideration March 20, passed both chambers in different forms, died",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=HB1028&Session=2300"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "1,458 students in 2021-22 (991 in 2023-24); fourth-highest rate. American Indian/Alaska Native students were 24 percent of those struck in 2017-18. Bills carried by Republicans without an outside coalition. Note the statutory bar on State Board rulemaking: the Kentucky regulation route is unavailable here without a statute change.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os70.pdf",
   "http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=SB364&Session=2500",
   "http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2025-26%20ENR/SB/SB364%20ENR.PDF"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "OR": {
  "code": "OR",
  "name": "Oregon",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1989,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Or. Rev. Stat. § 339.250(9)(a)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors339.html",
  "statute_quote": "The authority to discipline a student does not authorize the infliction of corporal punishment.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors339.html"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "PA": {
  "code": "PA",
  "name": "Pennsylvania",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 2005,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "22 Pa. Code § 12.5(a) (State Board of Education regulation)",
  "statute_url": "https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/022/chapter12/s12.5.html",
  "statute_quote": "Use of corporal punishment is prohibited.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Banned by State Board of Education regulation, 22 Pa. Code § 12.5(a), not by statute.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/022/chapter12/s12.5.html"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "RI": {
  "code": "RI",
  "name": "Rhode Island",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1977,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "200-RICR-20-30-2 § 2.2(A)(6)(a) (Council on Elementary and Secondary Education, Physical Restraint Regulations)",
  "statute_url": "https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/200-20-30-2",
  "statute_quote": "Corporal punishment as defined shall not be used in public education programs.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Banned by Board of Regents / Council on Elementary and Secondary Education regulation, not statute. The current codification is 200-RICR-20-30-2 (Physical Restraint Regulations; effective 01/24/2006, refiled 2018 and 2022), § 2.2(A)(6)(a); no section of R.I. Gen. Laws Title 16 expressly prohibits corporal punishment.",
  "sources": [
   "https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/200-20-30-2"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "SC": {
  "code": "SC",
  "name": "South Carolina",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "S.C. Code § 59-63-260",
  "statute_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c063.php",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [],
  "notes": "Unchanged since 1973: each district's governing body 'may provide corporal punishment for any pupil that it deems just and proper.' No statutory limits and no State Board regulation. 85 students in 2021-22, 23 in 2017-18. No bill on school corporal punishment filed in the 2023-24 or 2025-26 sessions. District-by-district status unverified; an Island Packet explainer of September 18, 2025 likely has a tally.",
  "sources": [
   "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c063.php",
   "https://ed.sc.gov/how-do-i/public-schools/what-is-the-department-of-education-s-policy-regarding-corporal-punishment/"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "SD": {
  "code": "SD",
  "name": "South Dakota",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1990,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "S.D. Codified Laws § 13-32-2 (as rewritten by SL 1990, ch. 128; no express prohibition, see notes)",
  "statute_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/13-32-2",
  "statute_quote": "Superintendents, principals, supervisors, and teachers and their aids and assistants, have the authority, to use the physical force that is reasonable and necessary for supervisory control over students.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "No statute expressly prohibits corporal punishment. SL 1990, ch. 128 rewrote SDCL § 13-32-2 to authorize only the physical force that is reasonable and necessary for supervisory control over students, removing the former authority to punish; South Dakota is treated as banned on that basis.",
  "sources": [
   "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/13-32-2"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "TN": {
  "code": "TN",
  "name": "Tennessee",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "T.C.A. § 49-6-4103 (as amended by Public Chapter 275, 2023), § 49-6-4104",
  "statute_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-49-education/tn-code-sect-49-6-4103/",
  "limits": [
   "Before corporal punishment the educator must document having addressed the behavior, provided consequences, consulted the parent, and considered whether to evaluate the student for a disability (Public Chapter 275, effective April 28, 2023)",
   "No corporal punishment on a student with a disability unless district policy permits it and the parent gives written permission specifying type and circumstances, with notice each time (HB 2330, 2018)",
   "Each local board adopts rules to implement and control any form of corporal punishment (§ 49-6-4104)"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "SB 972 / HB 995 (Pub. Ch. 275)",
    "session": "2023",
    "sponsor": "Sen. Bill Powers (R), Rep. John Stevens (R); co-primes Sens. Akbari, Campbell",
    "summary": "Documentation prerequisites before corporal punishment; Senate 32-0, House 90-0, signed April 28, 2023",
    "status": "signed",
    "url": "https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB0972&ga=113"
   },
   {
    "number": "SB 1788 / HB 1965",
    "session": "2024",
    "sponsor": "Sen. Heidi Campbell (D), Rep. Jason Powell (D)",
    "summary": "Full ban removing statutory authorization; SB 1788 failed for lack of a second in Senate Education March 13, 2024; HB 1965 taken off notice",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB1788&ga=113"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "1,031 students in 2021-22; 616 in 2023-24 (down 40 percent, after the 2023 documentation law). No bill in the 2025-26 session by caption search. Jackson County: a teacher and assistant principal were indicted in November 2023 after two paddlings injured a student; outcome not found.",
  "sources": [
   "https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-49-education/tn-code-sect-49-6-4103/",
   "https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/113/pub/pc0275.pdf",
   "https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB1788&ga=113"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "TX": {
  "code": "TX",
  "name": "Texas",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "Tex. Educ. Code § 37.0011 (added 2011, HB 359)",
  "statute_url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm",
  "limits": [
   "If the student code of conduct permits it, a district educator may use corporal punishment unless the parent has provided a signed written statement prohibiting it, renewed each school year (opt-out)",
   "Tex. Educ. Code § 22.0512 bars districts from disciplining an employee for force justified under Penal Code § 9.62"
  ],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "HB 1415",
    "session": "89R (2025)",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Alma Allen (D)",
    "summary": "Prohibit corporal punishment (new § 37.901); died in Public Education without a hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1415"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 3025",
    "session": "89R (2025)",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Aicha Davis (D)",
    "summary": "Affirmative parental consent before corporal punishment; died without a hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3025"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 1096",
    "session": "89R (2025)",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D)",
    "summary": "Reporting and opt-out notice; died without a hearing",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1096"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB 772",
    "session": "88R (2023)",
    "sponsor": "Rep. Alma Allen (D)",
    "summary": "Ban corporal punishment in public schools; committee 5-2, failed on second reading April 26, 2023 (reported 58-86); Allen has filed it every session for 18 years",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB772"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "Largest absolute use: 7,324 students in 2021-22 and 5,359 in 2023-24; 13,892 in 2017-18. IDRA counted 468 districts with corporal punishment policies in 2017-18. Overton ISD, 2023: a principal's assault charge for a bruising paddling was dismissed because district policy was followed and the mother consented. Millsap ISD, 2025: indictments over staff striking an autistic student (abuse, not sanctioned paddling).",
  "sources": [
   "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm",
   "https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1415",
   "https://www.texastribune.org/2023/04/26/texas-house-corporal-punishment-public-schools/",
   "https://www.kltv.com/2023/10/25/rusk-county-judge-dismisses-assault-charge-against-overton-principal/"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 },
 "UT": {
  "code": "UT",
  "name": "Utah",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1992,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Utah Code § 53G-8-301(5)(a) (formerly § 53G-8-302(1), repealed and recodified effective May 7, 2025)",
  "statute_url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter8/53G-8-S301.html",
  "statute_quote": "A school employee may not inflict or cause the infliction of corporal punishment upon a student.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": "Banned by administrative rule R277-608",
  "sources": [
   "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter8/53G-8-S301.html",
   "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter8/C53G-8-S301_2025050720250507.pdf"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "VA": {
  "code": "VA",
  "name": "Virginia",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1989,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Va. Code § 22.1-279.1(A)",
  "statute_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.1/",
  "statute_quote": "No teacher, principal or other person employed by a school board or employed in a school operated by the Commonwealth shall subject a student to corporal punishment.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14/section22.1-279.1/"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "VT": {
  "code": "VT",
  "name": "Vermont",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1985,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "16 V.S.A. § 1161a(c)",
  "statute_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/025/01161a",
  "statute_quote": "No person employed by or agent of a public or approved independent school shall inflict or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment upon a student attending the school or the institution.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/16/025/01161a"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "WA": {
  "code": "WA",
  "name": "Washington",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1993,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "RCW 28A.150.300 (1993 c 68 § 1)",
  "statute_url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.150.300",
  "statute_quote": "The use of corporal punishment in the common schools is prohibited.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.150.300"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "WI": {
  "code": "WI",
  "name": "Wisconsin",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1988,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "Wis. Stat. § 118.31(2)",
  "statute_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/31",
  "statute_quote": "Except as provided in sub. (3), no official, employee or agent of a school board may subject a pupil enrolled in the school district to corporal punishment.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/31"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "WV": {
  "code": "WV",
  "name": "West Virginia",
  "status": "banned",
  "year_banned": 1994,
  "private_schools_covered": null,
  "statute": "W. Va. Code § 18A-5-1(f)",
  "statute_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18A-5-1/",
  "statute_quote": "Corporal punishment of any student by a school employee is prohibited.",
  "limits": [],
  "notes": null,
  "sources": [
   "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/18A-5-1/"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-10-12"
 },
 "WY": {
  "code": "WY",
  "name": "Wyoming",
  "status": "legal",
  "year_banned": null,
  "private_schools_covered": false,
  "statute": "W.S. § 21-4-308(b) (immunity for reasonable corporal discipline authorized by board policy)",
  "statute_url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title21.pdf",
  "limits": [],
  "bills": [
   {
    "number": "SF0047",
    "session": "2023 General Session",
    "sponsor": "Joint Education Interim Committee",
    "summary": "Repeal immunity for corporal discipline; Senate 26-5, House Committee of the Whole failed 12-47 on February 14, 2023",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2023/SF0047"
   },
   {
    "number": "HB0065",
    "session": "2026 Budget Session",
    "sponsor": "Joint Education Interim Committee",
    "summary": "Require district discipline policies, parental notice and reporting; repeal the corporal-discipline immunity; failed introduction 38-24 (two-thirds needed) February 9, 2026",
    "status": "failed",
    "url": "https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0065"
   }
  ],
  "notes": "The statute grants immunity rather than authorizing the practice. Press in 2022-23 reported one to three of 48 districts still had it in policy (Niobrara County SD #1 named) and no incidents reported federally since 2012; Laramie County SD 1 reaffirmed its prohibition in October 2025. Advocate: principal Jeff Jones.",
  "sources": [
   "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title21.pdf",
   "https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2023/SF0047",
   "https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0065",
   "https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/education/2022-10-04/a-sheridan-county-school-principal-is-seeking-to-end-corporal-punishment-in-wyomings-public-schools"
  ],
  "last_verified": "2026-09-09"
 }
}