HB 359

-Authorizes school districts to use corporal punishment as a method of student discipline unless a student's parent or guardian has previously filed a written, signed statement prohibiting the school from using corporal punishment on the student (Sec. 1). -Defines "corporal punishment" as the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or using any kind of physical force as a means of discipline (Sec. 1). -Exempts the following from the definition of corporal punishment (Sec. 1):<ul>-Physical pain resulting from reasonable physical activities associated with athletic training, competition, or physical education; and -The use of restraints.</ul>-Requires each parent or guardian who has submitted a written, signed statement prohibiting the use of corporal punishment to submit separate written, signed statements every year to the Board of Trustees of the school district (Sec. 1). -This act is effective September 1, 2011 (Sec. 10).