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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 20-7-2972 SO AS TO BAN THE USE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN CHILDCARE FACILITIES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, REGISTERED, OR APPROVED EXCEPT IN CERTAIN CASES AND TO DEFINE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Subarticle 11, Article 13, Chapter 7, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 20-7-2972. (A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, a childcare facility required to be licensed, registered, or approved under the provisions of this subarticle may not use corporal punishment as a manner of discipline.
(B) Subsection (A) does not apply to childcare provided by a:
(1) person related to the child; or
(2) church congregation or established religious denomination or religious college or university that notifies the Department of Social Services that corporal punishment is part of its religious training.
(C) A childcare facility must have a written policy on discipline, discuss it with the parent, and give the parent a copy when the child is enrolled. A change in the discipline policy must be shared with the parent in writing before going into effect.
(D) As used in this section, 'corporal punishment' means spanking, slapping, or other physical discipline."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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