House approves bipartisan bill prohibiting corporal punishment
On students with intellectual disabilities
The Oklahoma House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation prohibiting the use of corporal punishment on students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation prohibiting the use of corporal punishment on students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
The bill’s author, Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater, filed House Bill 1028 after learning that, despite an Oklahoma State Dept. of Education (SDE) administrative rule prohibiting the use of corporal punishment on students with disabilities who are entitled to special education services, SDE found multiple instances in the 202122 school year where students with cognitive disabilities were subject to corporal punishment.
“I was saddened to learn that students with intellectual disabilities are still facing corporal punishment in many school districts across the state,” Talley said. “I fought for this legislation to add more teeth to SDE’s prohibition and end corporal punishment on students who may not understand what is going on or why it is happening. After numerous discussions with my colleagues, educators and families of disabled students, I’m glad we were able to work together to pass a bill that protects our most vulnerable children.”
The bill, which passed the House 84-8, has an effective date of Nov. 1, 2023. HB1028 passed with its title struck and, if it passes the Senate, will return to the House for another vote. The bill is now available to be heard in the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City.
