Indicates Matter Stricken

Indicates New Matter

 

Committee Report

May 5, 2026

 

S. 711

 

Introduced by Senators Johnson, Walker and Zell

 

S. Printed 5/5/26--H.

Read the first time March 31, 2026

 

________

 

The committee on House Education and Public Works

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 711) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by amending Section 59-63-60, relating to school guards requirements, so as to provide authority to direct and control traffic, etc., respectfully

Report:

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

 

SHANNON ERICKSON for Committee.

 

 

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill provides school guards with the authority to direct and control traffic on public roadways near schools for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion related to student drop-off or pick-up. Additionally, the bill states that the school district official of each school district who is responsible for supervising such personnel is responsible for seeing that such persons receive appropriate training pertaining to traffic safety.

 

State Agency Schools. This bill will have no expenditure impact on state agency schools. The Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe indicates that this bill will have no expenditure impact, as the agency already satisfies the requirements of the bill. The Governor's School for Arts and Humanities indicates that the agency has a staff of certified police officers that direct traffic when needed. The Governor's School for Science and Mathematics indicates that any costs related to ensuring that school guards receive appropriate training can be managed with existing resources. The School for the Deaf and the Blind indicates that this bill will have no expenditure impact, as its students are located on a campus and do not cross public roads. The Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School indicates that this bill will have no expenditure impact since it is a state agency and does not have any school district officials.

 

Local Expenditure

This bill provides school guards with the authority to direct and control traffic on public roadways near schools for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion related to student drop-off or pick-up. Additionally, the bill states that the school district official of each school district who is responsible for supervising such personnel is responsible for ensuring that such persons receive appropriate training pertaining to traffic safety.

SCDE surveyed the seventy-two regular school districts and three charter school districts and received responses from twenty-three districts. Twelve districts indicate that this bill will have no expenditure impact, with several of these districts noting that they are already in compliance with the provisions of the bill. Six districts indicate that any costs can be managed with existing appropriations. Four districts indicate that this bill may increase expenses by an amount ranging from $300 to $2,000 to provide training and equipment for school guards. The remaining district indicates that this bill may reduce expenditures by an undetermined amount. This district reports that they are currently paying for police officers to direct and control traffic and anticipate that using school guards instead of officers may lower costs.

 

 

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-63-60, RELATING TO SCHOOL GUARDS REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO PROVIDE AUTHORITY TO DIRECT AND CONTROL TRAFFIC ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS NEAR SCHOOLS.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.  Section 59-63-60 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

 

    Section 59-63-60.  (A) No person charged with the responsibility of assisting school children to cross streets near schools shall engage in such activity unless he is attired with some type of garment or equipment that can be clearly seen by the driver of an approaching motor vehicle.

    (B) Such individuals shall have the authorityA person charged with the responsibility to direct and control traffic on public roadways near schools for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion related to student drop-off or pickup shall be attired with some type of garment or equipment that can be clearly seen by the driver of an approaching motor vehicle and shall receive appropriate training pertaining to traffic safety.

    (C) The school district official of each school district who is responsible for supervising such personnel shall be responsible for seeing that such persons within his district are furnished with the articles required by this section. and that such persons receive appropriate training pertaining to traffic safety. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy shall provide training to certified law enforcement officers to enable such officers to instruct designated individuals within school districts in the safe direction and control of traffic.

 

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

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