Bill > HB2244

This bill amends Oklahoma's existing law on corporal punishment in schools by introducing new reporting requirements. Currently, the law prohibits using corporal punishment on students with the most significant cognitive disabilities unless specifically addressed in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), and allows parents to provide written consent for such punishment. The bill now mandates that each school district must annually report detailed information about corporal punishment incidents to the State Department of Education, including the number of times punishment was administered, and comprehensive demographic data about the students and staff involved, such as grade, age, race, gender, disability status, and details about who administered and witnessed the punishment. Furthermore, the State Department of Education is now required to compile these reports and provide an annual summary to the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause to emphasize its immediate importance for public safety and well-being. The definition of corporal punishment remains unchanged, referring to the deliberate infliction of physical pain through hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or other physical force used as discipline.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2244&Session=2600