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Bill

SB 364

Schools; prohibiting use of corporal punishment on any student identified with a disability.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Moore and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma law prohibits corporal punishment for students with identified disabilities, requiring schools to use alternative discipline methods for this vulnerable population.

Becomes law without Governor's signature 05/08/2025
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Bill Summary · SB 364

Legislative bill overview

SB 364 prohibits Oklahoma schools from using corporal punishment (physical discipline such as paddling or hitting) on any student who has been identified with a disability. The bill became law without the Governor's signature on May 8, 2025, meaning the Governor neither signed nor vetoed it within the allowed timeframe.

Why is this important

Students with disabilities are documented to receive corporal punishment at significantly higher rates than non-disabled peers, despite often having behavior challenges rooted in their disabilities rather than willful misconduct. This law provides explicit legal protection for a vulnerable student population and establishes that alternative discipline methods must be used for disabled students, aligning Oklahoma with practices in numerous other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "disability" definition: The bill's effectiveness depends on how broadly "identified with a disability" is interpreted—whether it includes only formally diagnosed disabilities under IDEA/504 plans or extends to students with undiagnosed conditions
  • Teacher compliance and training: Schools must train staff on alternative discipline methods, which requires resources and implementation time; some educators may resist changes to established disciplinary practices
  • Non-disabled student comparison: Critics may argue the law creates different standards for disabled and non-disabled students, while supporters contend it accounts for disability-related behavior factors

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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