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VA SB32

VA SB32
Corporal punishment of a child with an object; penalty.


summary

Introduced
11/18/2019
In Committee
11/18/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/12/2020

Introduced Session

2020 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Corporal punishment of a child with an object; penalty. Provides that any parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a child under 18 years of age who uses an inanimate object to subject a child to corporal punishment, as defined in the bill, is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The bill also provides that a defendant not previously convicted of corporal punishment of a child with an object may have his charge deferred to enter a treatment program. The charge may be dismissed upon successful completion of the treatment program.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits the use of inanimate objects to subject children under 18 years of age to corporal punishment, which is defined as the infliction of physical pain for disciplinary purposes. A violation of this law is a Class 4 misdemeanor. However, the bill allows for the reasonable use of force to prevent a child from harming themselves or others, or to take possession of dangerous objects. The bill also provides for the possibility of a deferred disposition and completion of a treatment program for first-time offenders, which could result in the dismissal of the charge.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Continued to 2021 in Judiciary (8-Y 6-N) (on 01/13/2020)

bill text


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