North Carolina General Assembly bans corporal punishment in all public schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year

Original title: Prohibit Corporal Punishment in Schools.

Last action · April 14, 2025: Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House action)Sponsors: Maria Cervania and 9 others

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Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Would Do

North Carolina bans the use of in all public school units, removing prior permissions and repealing related statutory provisions starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The measure maintains that physical restraint under federal law and reasonable use of force are not classified as corporal punishment. Additionally, the legislation removes statutory reporting requirements regarding corporal punishment while retaining reporting mandates for other disciplinary actions such as suspensions and expulsions.

Why it matters

Public school staff across North Carolina's 115 s lose the legal authorization to administer intentional physical pain as a disciplinary measure, altering disciplinary procedures for students statewide.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

public school students

Directly affected

school personnel

Teachers, principals, and assistant principals are prohibited from administering corporal punishment and are relieved of related documentation duties.

Directly affected

governing bodies of public school units

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this ban apply to all public schools in North Carolina?

Yes, the legislation prohibits across all public school units in the State.

When does the prohibition take effect?

The act is effective when it becomes law and applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

Are physical restraint and reasonable use of force also banned?

No. The use of physical restraint in accordance with federal law and G.S. 115C-391.1 and reasonable use of force under G.S. 115C-390.3 are not considered and remain permitted under appropriate guidelines.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

3 actions

Apr 14, 2025House
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
Apr 14, 2025House
Passed 1st Reading
Apr 10, 2025HouseIntroduced
Filed

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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