Parents could spank their kids with fewer worries about being accused of abuse if a bill approved Wednesday by the Senate becomes law. The so-called "spanking bill" by Sen. Jim Hargrett, D-Tampa, was approved after a debate over what kinds of punishment would be allowed. Betty Holzendorf, D-Jacksonville, used a hypothetical example in which a parent disciplines an unruly child at a shopping mall. As long as the spanking didn't result in bruises or cuts, Holzendorf said, it would be okay.
Describing herself as "a mother of four children who spanked them regularly," she said she supports the idea. Two years ago, a similar proposal was vetoed by Gov. Lawton Chiles. Last year's initiative died when a key House committee refused to hear it.
Hargrett said the bill has been modified and that he was recently assured by Chiles aides that the governor would not veto it. However, key House members remain opposed. She questioned the need for it, pointing out that Department of Health and Rehabilitive Services rules do not prohibit spanking, only discipline that becomes abuse. She also voiced fears that the proposed legislation would send a message to some parents that it is now okay "to have at it" when disciplining their children.
Though the bill has not been heard by her committee, it could still make it to the House floor as an amendment to another bill. Only two senators voted against the bill.
One worried it would lead to excessive whackings. Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton. The Tampa Bay Times e-Newspaper is a digital replica of the printed paper seven days a week that is available to read on desktop, mobile, and our app for subscribers only.
