CO HB1038

Prohibits employees and volunteers in public schools, state-licensed child care centers, family child care homes, and specialized group facilities from imposing corporal punishment on children.

Defines "corporal punishment" as the willful infliction of, or willfully causing the infliction of, physical pain on a child.

Exempts from the prohibition: reasonable force to quell disturbances, self-defense, obtaining dangerous objects from children, and physical pain from voluntary athletic competition or similar activities.

Requires school districts to include a statement in their conduct and discipline codes that corporal punishment is prohibited in accordance with this law.

Takes effect August 9, 2017, unless subject to a referendum petition, in which case it becomes effective only if approved by voters at the November 2018 general election.