Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Sep 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
What this bill does
The "Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2026" is a bill introduced in the Senate that aims to prohibit corporal punishment in schools receiving federal funding. This bill defines corporal punishment as a deliberate act causing physical pain for discipline, including striking, spanking, paddling, requiring painful positions, or using chemical sprays or electroshock on a student. It also aims to promote positive school climates by supporting interventions like restorative justice and trauma-informed care.
The bill would affect students in schools receiving federal financial assistance by ensuring they are not subjected to corporal punishment. It also impacts program personnel, law enforcement officers, and school security guards working in these schools, who would be subject to new regulations and potential enforcement actions. Parents and protection and advocacy systems would gain new notification rights and enforcement capabilities.
This bill was introduced in the Senate in September 2026 and has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It is currently in the committee phase, where it may be reviewed, amended, and potentially advanced for a vote by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2026
This bill prohibits the use of corporal punishment in schools that receive federal funding.
Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Education (ED) to take specified actions (e.g., withholding funds and issuing cease-and-desist orders) for schools that allow school personnel, law enforcement officers, or school security guards to subject students to corporal punishment.
The bill also establishes enforcement provisions, including a private right of action for a student who has been subjected to corporal punishment.
Each state educational agency (SEA) that receives federal funding must submit specified information to ED, including a school climate report that describes the SEA's policies and procedures related to exclusionary and aversive discipline practices in schools.
Additionally, the bill authorizes ED to award three-year grants to SEAs and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to implement positive behavioral interventions and supports to address student behavior and reduce exclusionary and aversive discipline practices.
ED must promulgate regulations as necessary to ensure compliance with the bill. The Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior must ensure that the schools they operate or fund also comply with these regulations.
Timeline
23 Sep 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Common questions
- What does S. 5470 do?
- The "Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2026" is a bill introduced in the Senate that aims to prohibit corporal punishment in schools receiving federal funding. This bill defines corporal punishment as a deliberate act causing physical pain for discipline, including striking, spanking, paddling, requiring painful positions, or using chemical sprays or electroshock on a student. It also aims to promote positive school climates by supporting interventions like restorative justice and trauma-informed care. The bill would affect students in schools receiving federal financial assistance by ensuring they are not subjected to corporal punishment. It also impacts program personnel, law enforcement officers, and school security guards working in these schools, who would be subject to new regulations and potential enforcement actions. Parents and protection and advocacy systems would gain new notification rights and enforcement capabilities. This bill was introduced in the Senate in September 2026 and has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It is currently in the committee phase, where it may be reviewed, amended, and potentially advanced for a vote by the full Senate. If passed by the Senate, it would then proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Has S. 5470 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5470. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5470?
- S. 5470 was sponsored by Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT] (D-CT), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5470?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (23 Sep 2026).
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