Signed! English Bill to Improve Safety and Well-Being of Colorado Kids

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English into law to prevent physical violence in a child care or public school setting.

“It’s a surprise to many that Colorado law does not already protect children from being physically disciplined by educators or school personnel,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “Corporal punishment can negatively impact physical and mental health, lead to poor educational outcomes, and cause an increase in violence and trauma in our children. Governor Polis signed my bill into law, so parents can have peace of mind that the safety and mental health of their children in schools are at the forefront of our mission in Colorado and that children will not be subjected to corporal punishment, but a high-quality education they deserve.”

HB23-1191 would prohibit an employee or volunteer in a public school, state-licensed child care center, family child care home, or a specialized group facility from using corporal punishment on a child under their care. With this bill, corporal punishment would include willfully causing the infliction of physical pain on a child. The bill passed the House by a vote of 48-16.