Corporal punishment; require school districts that allow to adopt a policy allowing parents to opt in.

HB 1187 would require Mississippi school districts that permit corporal punishment to adopt a policy enabling parents or legal guardians to actively choose (opt in) for their child to be included in the district's corporal punishment program. Parents must submit a written request each school year to include their child, and they can withdraw permission in writing at any time. If a parent does not opt in, schools cannot use corporal punishment on that student, and staff would not be protected from legal liability for doing so. The bill does not change the existing ban on corporal punishment for students with disabilities, which remains prohibited under current law.