Texas H.B. 359
Student Discipline, Including Corporal Punishment
Defines corporal punishment. Provides that if a district board of trustees adopts a policy permitting corporal punishment, a district educator may use corporal punishment as a form of discipline unless the student's parent has previously provided a written, signed statement prohibiting the use of coroporal punishment. Provides a parent would need to provide such statement on an annual basis. Permits a parent to revoke such statement at any time during the school year. Defines "law enforcement duties". Requires school districts to electronically report to the Texas Education Agency on the use of restraint by a peace officer performing law enforcement duties on school property or during a school-sponsored or school-related activity. Clarifies that the provision that a person commits an offense if, on school property or within 500 feet of school property, s/he intentionally disrupts the conduct of classes or other school activities, does not apply to a student in grade 6 or lower. Clarifies that the offense of disruption of transportation applies only if the offense occurred on a vehicle owned or operated by a county or independent school district. Provides that the disruption of transportation offense does not apply to a student in grade 6 or lower. http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/billtext/pdf/HB00359F.pdf#navpanes=0
Source: www.capitol.state.tx.us
Status: Signed into law	Status Date: 06/17/2011