Bill Text: VA SB32 | 2020 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Corporal punishment of a child with an object; penalty.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-13 - Continued to 2021 in Judiciary (8-Y 6-N) [SB32 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SB32-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-371.1:1 as follows:
§18.2-371.1:1. Corporal punishment of a child with an object; penalty.
A. For the purposes of this section, "corporal punishment" means the infliction of, or causing the infliction of, physical pain on a child as a means of discipline.
B. Any parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a child under 18 years of age who uses an inanimate object to subject a child to corporal punishment is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
This prohibition of corporal punishment shall not be deemed to prevent (i) the use of reasonable and necessary force to prevent a child from inflicting physical harm on himself, (ii) the use of reasonable and necessary force for self-defense or the defense of others, or (iii) the use of reasonable and necessary force to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects or controlled substances or paraphernalia that are upon the person of the child or within his control.
C. When a person is charged with an offense under this section, and has not previously been convicted of such offense, the court may defer the proceedings against such person, without a finding of guilt, and order him to parenting classes or other appropriate treatment programs. Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions specified in the court order, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against him.
