DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 324 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Prohibits corporal punishment in public elementary and secondary schools
Present law prohibits the administration of corporal punishment to students with exceptionalities
(except gifted and talented students), and to students who are eligible for services under Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and who have an Individual Accommodation Plan. Otherwise
grants local school boards discretion in the use of corporal punishment for all other students and
requires them to adopt rules and regulations to implement and control its use.
Proposed law prohibits any form of corporal punishment in public elementary and secondary schools.
Present law defines corporal punishment to mean the use of physical force that causes pain or
discomfort to discipline a student, not including seclusion or restraint under certain circumstances.
(Amends R.S.17:81.6(A), 235.1(B)(4)(a), and 416.1(B))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes only.