NC S498

Expands parental opt-out protections for corporal punishment to all students, removing the previous limitation that applied only to students with disabilities.

Requires schools to provide parents and guardians with a written form at the beginning of each school year (or when a student first enters) allowing them to prohibit corporal punishment of their child.

Mandates that the opt-out form must advise parents that students whose corporal punishment is prohibited may face suspension or other punishments instead for certain offenses.

Makes corporal punishment permissible by default if a parent or guardian does not return the written election form.

Effective beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.