Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2026

This bill would ban corporal punishment, such as hitting, paddling, or using chemical sprays or stun guns for discipline, on students in schools and programs that receive federal funding. Students or parents could sue a program over a violation, the Attorney General could bring civil cases, and the Department of Education could withhold funds from programs that do not comply. Programs would have to notify parents, the state education agency, and local police in writing within 24 hours when corporal punishment occurs. States would have to submit assurances and school discipline reports, and the Department of Education could give grants to states to reduce suspensions, expulsions, and other removal-based discipline. Home schools and private schools that do not receive federal support would not be covered.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Christopher Murphy Democrat sponsor
• 4 cosponsors