COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina state senators have approved legislation that toughens penalties against students who assault teachers or other school employees.
Students who seriously injure a teacher on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event would be guilty of a felony. Students convicted of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature could be sent to prison for up to 10 years or fined up to $5,000.
A misdemeanor assault would bring students up to 30 days in jail or a $1,000 fine under the proposal, which also allows assaulted teachers to sue a convicted student.
The Senate gave its approval on Tuesday. It needs another, largely perfunctory vote in the Senate before heading to the House.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP 02-03-09 1402EST
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