MO HB1169

Establishes that spanking administered by certificated school personnel in the presence of a school district employee witness, and reasonable force to protect persons or property, are not considered child abuse under state law when done according to written school discipline policies.

Requires that reports of alleged child abuse from spanking or use of reasonable force be jointly investigated by law enforcement and school district personnel within 48 hours, with separate investigation reports issued within 7 days.

Prohibits the Children's Division from investigating reports of alleged child abuse arising from school-administered spanking or reasonable force used pursuant to written discipline policies, unless sexual misconduct allegations are involved.

Requires school boards to establish and communicate written discipline policies that clearly define corporal punishment procedures and provide them to students and parents at the beginning of each school year.

Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for superintendents, school board presidents, or law enforcement officers to knowingly falsify reports or withhold investigation information related to these matters.