Senators Introduce Bill to Ban Corporal Punishment in Federally Funded Schools
The proposed bill covers federally funded schools and includes reporting requirements, enforcement measures and grants for alternative discipline.
- By Chelsey Arries
- September 24, 2026
Schools receiving federal funding would be prohibited from using corporal punishment under a bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act would establish a federal ban on deliberately inflicting physical pain on students for disciplinary purposes, according to Kaine’s office.
The prohibition would apply to school personnel, law enforcement officers and school security guards in covered programs. Under the proposal, schools would have to provide written notice within 24 hours of an incident to parents, the state education agency and local law enforcement. Incidents involving students with disabilities would trigger additional notification to the relevant protection and advocacy system.
Students subjected to corporal punishment or their parents could bring civil lawsuits against programs accused of violating the ban. Complaints would also be referred to the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights for investigation. Enforcement options would include withholding federal payments, compliance agreements and cease-and-desist proceedings.
The measure would authorize grants to state education agencies for positive behavioral interventions and other approaches to student discipline. It would also require state reporting on disciplinary practices and staff training efforts.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.