OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill prohibiting the use of corporal punishment on students with disabilities passed the House on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 364 now moves to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law.

Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, was the House author of the legislation.

"We realize that some parents and some educators firmly believe in the value of corporal punishment as a deterrent to bad behavior," Moore said. "But we must protect our students that have a disability that would prohibit them from understanding why they are experiencing this type of punishment or for whom this punishment would be more harmful than corrective."

The legislation would prohibit non-parents from using physical punishment on students with disabilities.

Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa is the Senate author of the bill.

“Children with disabilities who struggle with behavioral issues or impulse control should be met with patience and understanding, not physical discipline,” Rader said. “This bill gives our very fine Oklahoma educators clear guidance that corporal punishment is not acceptable when working with any students with disabilities." 

This bill bars school employees from the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping or using any other kind of physical force as a means of disciplining a child with a disability as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Legislation on this issue has been pursued in past years. Both lawmakers expressed gratitude that this year's version was successful and are hopeful the governor will sign this into law.