On the 21 January, The Children (Aboliton of the Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill passed at stage 3 at the Senedd. This means plans to end the 'reasonable punishment' as a defence for smacking or assaulting children in Wales moves a step closer. The debate ended with only one set of amendments being made, on the reporting requirements suggested in the bill.
AMs have therefore voted to back Stage 3, the penultimate stage of the bill. The bill returns to the assembly for the final time next week, and if it passes the new law will come into force in 2022.
