House Bill 1259: Revises the Definition of Felonious Child Abuse

This bill would revise the definition of felonious child abuse to prohibit certain acts against a child. While most of the changes are not objectionable, one change would make it a crime to inflict physical pain or injury on a special needs education child or a child with a mental or physical disability, no matter what the diagnosis. This language is too broad and would subject a parent or teacher to 20 years in prison for minor corporal punishment of a child who had been willfully disobedient.

On 2/12/2013, the House amended this bill to allow reasonable corporal discipline by a parent with a special needs child. However, other persons such as special education teachers in public and nonpublic schools would still be subject to the law.