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COMMITTEE REPORT
April 26, 2005
S. 638
Introduced by Senators Campsen, Grooms, Leventis, Bryant, Fair, Hayes and Hawkins
S. Printed 4/26/05--S. [SEC 4/27/05 3:18 PM]
Read the first time March 17, 2005.
To whom was referred a Bill (S. 638) to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, to enact the "Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act" by adding Section 59-65-49 so as, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
Majority favorable. Minority unfavorable.
JOHN E. COURSON JOHN W. MATTHEWS, JR.
KAY PATTERSON
For Majority. For Minority.
TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "EQUAL ACCESS TO INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 59-65-49 SO AS TO PERMIT HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE STUDENT RESIDES PURSUANT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act".
SECTION 2. Article 1, Chapter 65, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-65-49. (A) As used in this section:
(1) 'Home school students' are those children taught in accordance with Section 59-65-40, Section 59-65-45, or Section 59-65-47.
(2) 'Interscholastic activities' includes, but is not limited to, athletics, music, speech, and other extracurricular activities.
(B) Home school students may not be denied by a school district the opportunity to participate in interscholastic activities if:
(1) the student's home schooling program is in compliance with Section 59-65-40, Section 59-65-45, or Section 59-65-47;
(2) the student meets all school district eligibility requirements with the exception of:
(a) the school district's school or class attendance requirements; and
(b) the class and enrollment requirements of the associations administering interscholastic activities;
(3) the home schooling parent-teacher must certify by submitting an affidavit to the school district that the student being taught is in full compliance with the current South Carolina home school law;
(4) the home school student participating in interscholastic activities resides within the attendance boundaries of the school for which the student participates; and
(5) the home school student notifies the superintendent of the school district in writing of his intent to participate in the interscholastic activity as a representative of the school before the beginning date of the season for the activity in which he wishes to participate.
(C) In addition to the requirements in subsection (B):
(1) a public school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility is ineligible to participate in interscholastic activities as a home school student for the following semester. To establish academic eligibility for subsequent school years, the student must meet the standards described in item (3) of this subsection to become eligible for next semester; and
(2) the home school student is required to fulfill the same responsibilities and standards of behavior and performance, including related practice requirements, of other students participating in the interscholastic activities of the team or squad and is required to meet the same standards for acceptance on the team or squad.
(D) A school district may not contract with a private entity that supervises interscholastic activities if the private entity prohibits the participation of home school students in interscholastic activities."
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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