Bill Would Toughen Penalties For Teacher Assaults

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.