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Committee Report

February 11, 2026

 

H. 4257

 

Introduced by Reps. J. E. Johnson, Lowe, C. Mitchell, Yow, Brittain, Jordan, B. Newton, Caskey, Gilliam, Rankin, Schuessler, Hayes, Guest, Crawford, Gagnon, McCabe, Pedalino and Hiott

 

S. Printed 2/11/26--S.

Read the first time May 1, 2025

 

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The committee on Senate Education

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 4257) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 59-5-65, relating to the requirement that the State Board of Education shall establish a uniform system, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

 

GREG HEMBREE for Committee.

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-5-65, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE ENFORCEMENT, SO AS TO PROVIDE THIS SYSTEM MUST REQUIRE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS TO APPROVE STUDENT ABSENCES FOR PARTICIPATION IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZED BY THE SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ACTIVITY IS SANCTIONED BY THE south carolina HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE OR OTHER INTERSCHOLASTIC SANCTIONING ORGANIZATION; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-65-90, RELATING TO RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH TO DEFINE LAWFUL AND UNLAWFUL ABSENCES UNDER COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE STATUTES, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Section 59-1-462 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 59-1-462.  Each school district, within ninety days after the effective date of this section, shall adopt a policy, to include language to ensure that participants are academically in good standing, that authorizes a student to be excused from school absences, not to exceed ten school days per school year, to participate in a Career and Technical Student Organization experience in which student participation and learning outcomes are directed by a certified teacher for assessment of competencies or participation in any interscholastic activity authorized for student participation by the school or school district, regardless of whether the activity is sanctioned by the South Carolina High School League or other entity that governs, sanctions, or operates interscholastic athletic and intramural activities and competitions. Participation in such Career and Technical Student Organization experience may include, but is not limited to, scheduled events of state-level Future Farmers of America (FFA) organizations, the national FFA organization, and 4-H programs as part of organized competitions or exhibitions. The student and his parent or legal guardian are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments missed while the student participates in any such Career and Technical Student Organization experiences or interscholastic activity authorized for student participation by the school or school district.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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