The Committee on Education proposed the following amendment (WAB\3006C001.RT.WAB22):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:

/ SECTION1. Article 7, Chapter 63, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 59-63-785.(A) A public school or public school district, including a charter school or charter school governing body, may not:

(1) use a debt collection agency to collect or attempt to collect, directly or indirectly, debts due or assessed to be owed for outstanding debts on a school lunch or breakfast account of a student; or

(2) assess or collect any interest, fees, or other such monetary penalties for outstanding debts on student school lunch or breakfast accounts.

(B) For purposes of this section, 'debt collection agency' means any person or entity that collects or attempts to collect, directly or indirectly, debts due or asserted to be owed or due another. 'Debt collection agency' does not include the South Carolina Department of Revenue or the programs they administer or a public school, public school district, charter school, or charter school governing body."

SECTION2. The provisions of this act apply to debts on student lunch and breakfast accounts outstanding on the effective date of this act and incurred after the effective date of this act.

SECTION3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /