Bill > SB2614

This bill amends Mississippi law to completely prohibit corporal punishment in public and charter schools as a disciplinary method. The legislation removes previous language that allowed "reasonable" corporal punishment and eliminates provisions that previously defined acceptable circumstances for physical discipline. Under the new law, any school employee (such as teachers, principals, or assistant principals) who administers corporal punishment can be held liable for civil damages, particularly if a court determines they acted in bad faith, with malicious intent, or showed a willful disregard for human rights or safety. The bill also removes the previous section that specifically addressed corporal punishment for students with disabilities, effectively extending the prohibition to all students. The provisions will go into effect on July 1, 2025, giving schools time to adjust their disciplinary policies. By eliminating corporal punishment, the bill aims to protect students from physical punishment and ensure safer, more constructive disciplinary approaches in educational settings.