Stephen Miller: “today I add my support to the Teacher Liability Protection Act, a bill first introduced by my predecessor Senator Paul…”

“today I add my support to the Teacher Liability Protection Act, a bill first introduced by my predecessor Senator Paul Coverdell. Like him, and like my colleagues with whom I introduce this bill today, I firmly believe in the promise that the education of our children provides. An important part of fulfilling that promise is ensuring that our classrooms are a secure place in which to learn. And, as a result, teachers and principals are called upon every day to maintain order in our schools. In doing so, they should not be subject to frivolous lawsuits. Nor should the fear of such litigation prevent educators from acting reasonably and quickly in this regard. The bill we introduce today seeks to eliminate that fear and to reassure educators that they can and should perform this necessary part of their job without hesitation. The bill provides limited immunity for teachers, principals, and other education professionals for any reasonable actions they take in an effort to discipline students or maintain order in the classroom. In addition, it limits the availability of punitive damages and damages for non-economic loss in those suits that do proceed. I also think that it is important to discuss what this bill does not do. It does not prevent proper accountability for teachers and principals who act intentionally, or even recklessly. Nor does it protect them if they violate state or federal law.”