Bill > S714

This bill comprehensively prohibits corporal punishment in North Carolina public schools, effectively removing all existing legal provisions that previously allowed or regulated the practice of physically punishing students as a disciplinary measure. The bill amends multiple sections of state law to eliminate references to corporal punishment, including removing detailed regulations about how such punishment could be administered, such as requirements for notification and record-keeping. While prohibiting corporal punishment, the bill explicitly preserves the ability of school personnel to use physical restraint in accordance with federal law and to use reasonable force when necessary. The legislation is supported by research indicating that corporal punishment does not improve academic outcomes and can negatively impact students' psychological and emotional development. Notably, the bill aligns with the fact that none of North Carolina's 115 local school administrative units currently allow corporal punishment, and it has the support of the State Board of Education, the North Carolina Parent Teacher Association, and numerous professional child advocacy organizations. The bill will become effective for the 2025-2026 school year, giving schools time to adjust their disciplinary policies, and it does not retroactively affect civil actions related to corporal punishment that occurred before the law's implementation.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S714