reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 36 - Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act › Section 58-36-120. Penalties; actions; effect on civil remedies.

Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars for each violation. Actions to recover the penalty provided for in this section shall be brought by the Attorney General at the request of the injured party in the proper forum in and for the county in which the cause, or some part thereof, arose or in which the defendant has its principal place of business or resides. All penalties recovered in any such actions shall be equally divided between the state's general fund and the Office of the Attorney General.
This chapter does not affect any civil remedies for personal injury or property damage except as otherwise specifically provided for in this chapter. The penalty provisions of this chapter are cumulative to, and not in conflict with, provisions of law with respect to civil remedies for personal injury or property damage.
HISTORY: 2011 Act No. 48, Section 1, eff June 7, 2012.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 37 - Energy Supply And Efficiency › Section 58-37-10. Definitions.

As used in this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(1) "Demand-side activity" means a program conducted or proposed by a producer, supplier, or distributor of energy for the reduction or more efficient use of energy requirements of the producer's, supplier's, or distributor's customers, including, but not limited to, conservation and energy efficiency, load management, cogeneration, and renewable energy technologies.
(2) "Integrated resource plan" means a plan which contains the demand and energy forecast for at least a fifteen-year period, contains the supplier's or producer's program for meeting the requirements shown in its forecast in an economic and reliable manner, including both demand-side and supply-side options, with a brief description and summary cost-benefit analysis, if available, of each option which was considered, including those not selected, sets forth the supplier's or producer's assumptions and conclusions with respect to the effect of the plan on the cost and reliability of energy service, and describes the external environmental and economic consequences of the plan to the extent practicable. For electrical utilities subject to the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Public Service Commission, this definition must be interpreted in a manner consistent with the integrated resource planning process adopted by the commission. For electric cooperatives subject to the regulations of the Rural Electrification Administration, this definition must be interpreted in a manner consistent with any integrated resource planning process prescribed by Rural Electrification Administration regulations.
HISTORY: 1992 Act No. 449, Part IV Section 1, eff July 1, 1992; 1997 Act No. 26, Section 1, eff May 21, 1997.
Editor's Note
1992 Act No. 449, Part I Section 1, eff July 1, 1992, provides as follows:
"SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the South Carolina Energy Conservation and Efficiency Act of 1992."
[For a complete list of code sections affected by 1992 Act No. 449, see Statutory Tables Volume, Table B, allocation of Acts.].
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 37 - Energy Supply And Efficiency › Section 58-37-20. Public Service Commission; adoption of procedures encouraging energy efficiency and conservation.

The South Carolina Public Service Commission may adopt procedures that encourage electrical utilities and public utilities providing gas services subject to the jurisdiction of the commission to invest in cost-effective energy efficient technologies and energy conservation programs. If adopted, these procedures must: provide incentives and cost recovery for energy suppliers and distributors who invest in energy supply and end-use technologies that are cost-effective, environmentally acceptable, and reduce energy consumption or demand; allow energy suppliers and distributors to recover costs and obtain a reasonable rate of return on their investment in qualified demand-side management programs sufficient to make these programs at least as financially attractive as construction of new generating facilities; require the Public Service Commission to establish rates and charges that ensure that the net income of an electrical or gas utility regulated by the commission after implementation of specific cost-effective energy conservation measures is at least as high as the net income would have been if the energy conservation measures had not been implemented. For purposes of this section only, the term "demand-side activity" means a program conducted by an electrical utility or public utility providing gas services for the reduction or more efficient use of energy requirements of the utility or its customers including, but not limited to, utility transmission and distribution system efficiency, customer conservation and efficiency, load management, cogeneration, and renewable energy technologies.
HISTORY: 1992 Act No. 449, Part IV Section 1, eff July 1, 1992; 1997 Act No. 26, Section 2, eff May 21, 1997.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 37 - Energy Supply And Efficiency › Section 58-37-30. Reports on demand-side activities of gas and electric utilities; forms.

(A) The South Carolina Public Service Commission must report annually to the General Assembly on available data regarding the past, on-going, and projected status of demand-side activities and purchase of power from qualifying facilities, as defined in the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, by electrical utilities and public utilities providing gas services subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission.
(B) Electric cooperatives providing resale or retail services, municipally-owned electric utilities, and the South Carolina Public Service Authority shall report annually to the State Energy Office on available data regarding the past, on-going, and projected status of demand-side activities and purchase of power from qualifying facilities. For electric cooperatives, submission to the State Energy Office of a report on demand-side activities in a format complying with then current Rural Electrification Administration regulations constitutes compliance with this subsection. An electric cooperative providing resale services may submit a report in conjunction with and on behalf of any electric cooperative which purchases electric power and energy from it. The State Energy Office must compile and submit this information annually to the General Assembly.
(C) The State Energy Office may provide forms for the reports required by this section to the Public Service Commission and to electric cooperatives, municipally-owned electric utilities, and the South Carolina Public Service Authority. The office shall strive to minimize differing formats for reports, taking into account the reporting requirements of other state and federal agencies. For electrical utilities and public utilities providing gas services subject to the jurisdiction of the commission, the reporting form must be in a format acceptable to the commission.
HISTORY: 1992 Act No. 449, Part IV Section 1, eff July 1, 1992.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 37 - Energy Supply And Efficiency › Section 58-37-60. Independent study to evaluate integration of emerging energy technologies.

(A) The commission and the Office of Regulatory Staff are authorized to initiate an independent study to evaluate the integration of renewable energy and emerging energy technologies into the electric grid for the public interest. An integration study conducted pursuant to this section shall evaluate what is required for electrical utilities to integrate increased levels of renewable energy and emerging energy technologies while maintaining economic, reliable, and safe operation of the electricity grid in a manner consistent with the public interest. Studies shall be based on the balancing areas of each electrical utility. The commission shall provide an opportunity for interested parties to provide input on the appropriate scope of the study and also to provide comments on a draft report before it is finalized. All data and information relied on by the independent consultant in preparation of the draft study shall be made available to interested parties, subject to appropriate confidentiality protections, during the public comment period. The results of the independent study shall be reported to the General Assembly.
(B) The commission may require regular updates from utilities regarding the implementation of the state's renewable energy policies.
(C) The commission may hire or retain a consultant to assist with the independent study authorized by this section. The commission is exempt from complying with the State Procurement Code in the selection and hiring of the consultant authorized by this subsection.
HISTORY: 2019 Act No. 62 (H.3659), Section 8, eff May 16, 2019.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 39 - South Carolina Distributed Energy Resource Program › Section 58-39-110. Short title; goals of chapter.

This chapter may be cited as the "South Carolina Distributed Energy Resource Act". The goals of this chapter are to promote the establishment of a reliable, efficient, and diversified portfolio of distributed energy resources for the State.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 236 (S.1189), Section 2, eff June 2, 2014.
Editor's Note
2014 Act No. 236, Section 9, provides as follows:
"SECTION 9. If the application of the provisions of this act to any wholesale electrical contract existing on the date of its adoption is determined to impair unlawfully any term of such contract or to add material costs to either party, then that contract will be exempt from the terms of this act to the extent necessary to cure such impairment or to avoid the imposition of additional material costs."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 39 - South Carolina Distributed Energy Resource Program › Section 58-39-120. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:
(A) "AC" means alternating current, as measured at the point of interconnection of the renewable energy facility to the interconnecting electrical utility's transmission or distribution system.
(B) "Avoided costs" means payments for purchases of electricity made according to an electrical utility's most recently approved or established avoided cost rates in this State or rates negotiated pursuant to PURPA, in the year the costs are incurred, for purchases of electricity from qualifying facilities pursuant to Section 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, said costs to be calculated as set forth in Section 58-39-140(A)(1).
(C) "Distributed energy resource" (DER) means demand- and supply-side resources that can be deployed throughout the system of an electrical utility to meet the energy and reliability needs of the customers served by that system, including, but not limited to, renewable energy facilities, managed loads (including electric vehicle charging), energy storage, and other measures necessary to incorporate renewable generation resources, including load management and ancillary services, such as reserves, voltage control, and reactive power, and black start capabilities.
(D) "Electrical utility" shall be defined as in Section 58-27-10 of the 1976 Code, provided, however, that electrical utilities serving less than 100,000 customer accounts shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
(E) "Renewable energy facility" means a facility that generates electric power by the use of a renewable generation resource that was placed in service for use by or to provide power to an electrical utility after January 1, 2014. A "renewable energy facility" also shall mean any incremental capacity installed after January 1, 2014, that delivers energy from a renewable generation resource.
(F) "Renewable generation resource" means solar photovoltaic and solar thermal resources, wind resources, low-impact hydroelectric resources, geothermal resources, tidal and wave energy resources, recycling resources, hydrogen fuel derived from renewable resources, combined heat and power derived from renewable resources, and biomass resources.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 236 (S.1189), Section 2, eff June 2, 2014.
Editor's Note
2014 Act No. 236, Section 9, provides as follows:
"SECTION 9. If the application of the provisions of this act to any wholesale electrical contract existing on the date of its adoption is determined to impair unlawfully any term of such contract or to add material costs to either party, then that contract will be exempt from the terms of this act to the extent necessary to cure such impairment or to avoid the imposition of additional material costs."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 39 - South Carolina Distributed Energy Resource Program › Section 58-39-150. Caps to residential, commercial, and industrial accounts.

For the protection of consumers and to ensure that the cost of DER programs do not exceed a reasonable threshold, the commission must not approve a DER plan in which the total incremental costs to be incurred by an electrical utility and recovered from the electrical utility's South Carolina retail customer classes exceeds the following annual amounts per number of accounts for costs that are incurred on or after January 1, 2014: residential: twelve dollars; commercial: one hundred twenty dollars; and industrial: twelve hundred dollars. The application of these caps to residential, commercial, and industrial accounts will be as set forth in the electrical utility's approved distributed energy resource program.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 236 (S.1189), Section 2, eff June 2, 2014.
Editor's Note
2014 Act No. 236, Section 9, provides as follows:
"SECTION 9. If the application of the provisions of this act to any wholesale electrical contract existing on the date of its adoption is determined to impair unlawfully any term of such contract or to add material costs to either party, then that contract will be exempt from the terms of this act to the extent necessary to cure such impairment or to avoid the imposition of additional material costs."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 41 - Renewable Energy Programs › Section 58-41-05. Directions to commission.

The commission is directed to address all renewable energy issues in a fair and balanced manner, considering the costs and benefits to all customers of all programs and tariffs that relate to renewable energy and energy storage, both as part of the utility's power system and as direct investments by customers for their own energy needs and renewable goals. The commission also is directed to ensure that the revenue recovery, cost allocation, and rate design of utilities that it regulates are just and reasonable and properly reflect changes in the industry as a whole, the benefits of customer renewable energy, energy efficiency, and demand response, as well as any utility or state-specific impacts unique to South Carolina which are brought about by the consequences of this act.
HISTORY: 2019 Act No. 62 (H.3659), Section 1, eff May 16, 2019.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 58 - Public Utilities, Services and Carriers › Chapter 41 - Renewable Energy Programs › Section 58-41-40. Neighborhood community solar programs; review of programs; recovery of costs.

(A) It is the intent of the General Assembly to expand the opportunity to support solar energy and support access to solar energy options for all South Carolinians, including those who lack the income to afford the upfront investment in solar panels or those who do not own their homes or have suitable rooftops. The General Assembly encourages all electric service providers in this State to consider offering neighborhood community solar programs.
(B)(1) Within sixty days after the effective date of this chapter, the commission shall open a docket for each electrical utility to review the community solar programs established pursuant to Act 236 of 2014 and to solicit status information on existing programs from the electrical utilities.
(2) Within one hundred and eighty days after the commission opens the docket pursuant to item (1), the electrical utilities shall update their report on their existing programs and may propose new programs.
(C) Subject to review by the commission, a public utility must be entitled to full and timely cost recovery for all reasonable and prudent costs incurred in implementing and complying with this section. Participating customers shall bear the burden of any reasonable and prudent costs associated with participating in a neighborhood community solar program; however, the commission shall nonetheless promote access to solar energy projects for low and moderate income customers. An electrical utility may not charge any nonparticipating customers for any costs incurred pursuant to the provisions of this section.
HISTORY: 2019 Act No. 62 (H.3659), Section 1, eff May 16, 2019.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-20. Purpose of South Carolina School Code.

The purpose of the South Carolina School Code is to provide for a State system of public education and for the establishment, organization, operation, and support of such State system.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-2; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-30. Construction.

If any section or part of the South Carolina School Code is found to be ambiguous or otherwise subject to more than one interpretation, such section or part shall be liberally construed to the extent that the general purpose of the entire Code and of public education may be advanced.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-3; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-40. Scope of State system of public education.

The State system of public education shall consist of such school systems, schools, institutions, agencies, services, and types of instruction as may be provided and authorized by law, or by rules and regulations of the State Board of Education within limits prescribed by law.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-4; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-50. Educational achievement goals for high school graduates and students.

(A) The General Assembly declares that the principles outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, published by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and approved by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, the Education Oversight Committee, the State Board of Education and Transform SC schools and districts, are the standards by which our state's high school graduates should be measured and are this state's achievement goals for all high school students. The State shall make a reasonable and concerted effort to ensure that graduates have world class knowledge based on rigorous standards in language arts and math for college and career readiness. Students should have the opportunity to learn one of a number of foreign languages, and have offerings in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts, and social sciences that afford them the knowledge needed to be successful.
(B) Students also must be offered the ability to obtain world class skills such as:
(1) creativity and innovation;
(2) critical thinking and problem solving;
(3) collaboration and teamwork;
(4) communication, information, media, and technology; and
(5) knowing how to learn.
(C) Students finally also must be offered reasonable exposure, examples, and information on the state's vision of life and career characteristics such as:
(1) integrity;
(2) self-direction;
(3) global perspective;
(4) perseverance;
(5) work ethic; and
(6) interpersonal skills.
HISTORY: 2016 Act No. 195 (H.4936), Section 1, eff May 26, 2016.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-110. "Private school" defined.

"Private school" means a school established by an agency other than the State or its subdivisions which is primarily supported by other than public funds, and the operation of whose program rests with other than publicly elected or appointed officials.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-5; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-120. "Public school" defined.

"Public school" means a school operated by publicly elected or appointed school officials in which the program and activities are under the control of these officials and which is supported by public funds.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-6; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-150. "Kindergarten," "elementary school," "middle school," "secondary school," "junior high school," and "high school" defined.

For the purposes of this chapter:
(1) "Kindergarten" means any school which provides either education, instruction, or supervision below the first grade to children who will attain the age of five on or before the first day of November of the school year when they begin school.
(2) "Elementary school" means any public school which contains grades no lower than kindergarten and no higher than the eighth.
(3) "Middle school" means any public school which contains grades no lower than the fifth and no higher than the eighth.
(4) "Secondary school" means either a junior high school or a high school.
(5) "Junior high school" shall be considered synonymous with the term "high school."
(6) "High school" means any public school which contains grades no lower than the seventh and no higher than the twelfth.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-9; 1974 (58) 1933; 1978 Act No. 633 Sections 1, 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-160. "School district" defined.

"School district" means any area or territory comprising a legal entity, whose sole purpose is that of providing free school education, whose boundary lines are a matter of public record, and the area of which constitutes a complete tax unit.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-10; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-200. "Scholastic year" defined.

The scholastic year shall begin on the first day of July of each year and end on the thirtieth day of June following.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-15; 1952 Code Section 21-3; 1942 Code Section 5378; 1932 Code Section 5411; Civ. C. '22 Section 2653; Civ. C. '12 Section 1781; Civ. C. '02 Section 1232; 1896 (22) 170; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-310. Superintendents of education may administer oaths and probate certain papers.

The State Superintendent of Education and the county superintendent of education of the various counties of the State may administer an oath or affirmation to any person and probate any and all papers which may pertain to or be connected with the duties of their respective offices.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-17; 1952 Code Section 21-5; 1942 Code Section 5278; 1938 (40) 1571; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-320. Display of United States and State flags.

The State Board of Education shall make such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the National Flag Code, for the display of the flag of the United States of America and for the display of the flag of the State at public schools. The person at the head of any public school in the State shall display the flag of the United States and the flag of the State at such times and at such places under such restrictions and rules as may be adopted by the State Board of Education.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-18; 1952 Code Section 21-7; 1942 Code Section 5705; 1939 (41) 298; 1957 (50) 58; 1974 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-325. Patriotic depictions in schools.

(A) No later than January 1, 2023, every public school, to include state agency schools and charter schools, shall display the following depictions in a prominent place:
(1) the official motto of the United States, "In God We Trust";
(2) the official mottos of South Carolina, "Dum spiro spero" and "Animis opibusque parati", and their respective translations;
(3) an accurate representation of the United States flag; and
(4) an accurate representation of the South Carolina state flag.
The State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations specifying how the depictions shall be displayed.
(B) The head of each public school shall ensure that the depictions required in subsection (A) are displayed in the manner adopted by the State Board of Education and as directed by the State Superintendent of Education. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of funds donated to achieve its purpose.
(C) The provisions of this section also apply to any private school that receives any public funding.
HISTORY: 2022 Act No. 177 (S.969), Section 1, eff July 1, 2023.
Editor's Note
2022 Act No. 177, preamble and Section 4, provide as follows:
"Whereas, July 30, 2016, marked the 60th anniversary of 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States; and
"Whereas, in 2011, by resolution of the United States House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the United States Senate, the United States Congress reaffirmed 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States and supported and encouraged the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other governmental institutions; and
"Whereas, 'In God We Trust' appears over the south entrance to the United States Senate Chamber and above the Speaker's rostrum in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives; and
"Whereas, the motto has been an integral part of the society of the United States since its founding and first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864; and
"Whereas, 'Dum spiro spero', which translates to 'While I breathe, I hope' is perhaps the most well known of South Carolina's two mottos and appears on the State Seal that was adopted in 1776; and
"Whereas, reflecting the character and beliefs of the citizens of South Carolina, 'Dum spiro spero' illustrates the inherent spirit of South Carolinians to overcome obstacles and face each day with the courage and determination to do what is just in the face of adversity; and
"Whereas, 'Animis opibusque parati', which translates to 'Prepared in Mind and Resources', is the other South Carolina state motto. It is especially fitting that this motto appear in state schools, as it reflects the central aim of South Carolina's education system. Now, therefore, [Text of Act.]"
"SECTION 4. The provisions of this act take effect July 1, 2023."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-330. Pledge to State flag.

The pledge to the flag of South Carolina shall be as follows: "I salute the flag of South Carolina and pledge to the Palmetto State, love, loyalty and faith."
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-19; 1973 (58) 1933.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-340. Meetings of boards of trustees and boards of education.

Each county board of education or board of trustees shall meet at least every other month during the regular school session on a regular date and at a regular time to be determined by each board during its organizational meeting. All regular meetings shall be open to the public and members of the news media. Any board may hold a special meeting when it is considered necessary either by the chairman or a majority of the board members. All meetings, whether regular or special, shall be held at the school district office or at such other place within the district that the board deems convenient and suitable. Nothing in this section shall preclude the board from the right to go into executive session by majority vote of the membership present.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-19.1; 1974 (58) 1936.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-350. Compensation of members of boards of trustees and boards of education.

Members of the county board of education or board of trustees may serve without pay. Each member of the board may receive a per diem for attendance at board meetings and may be paid mileage to and from such meetings. No member may receive per diem and mileage unless in actual attendance upon a meeting of the board. When any member of a board is directed to travel outside the county or school district on official business of the board, he may be allowed actual expenses incurred as a result.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-19.2; 1974 (58) 1937.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-360. Audiovisual properties may be loaned.

The State Department of Education is authorized to lend film, filmstrips, recordings or other audiovisual properties to nonpublic institutions of higher learning and to other educational institutions and schools that are eleemosynary in nature.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-19.3; 1974 (58) 2626.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-370. Closing of educational institutions on general election day.

All State-supported colleges and universities, technical education centers and public schools shall be closed general election day in November of each even-numbered year. This day shall not be considered as one of the regular school days for the year for public schools.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-19.4; 1973 (58) 640; 1977 Act No. 88, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-375. Student identification cards; contact information for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

(A) A public school, including a charter school, that serves any students in the seventh through twelfth grades that issues student identification cards must print on either side of the cards the telephone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The school must also print on either side of the cards the social media platform, telephone number, or text number for at least one additional crisis resource selected by the school district or charter school sponsor pursuant to the available data regarding local school or community needs, including, but not limited to:
(1) the Crisis Text Line;
(2) a local suicide prevention hotline, if available; or
(3) the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
(B) Public and private institutions of higher learning that issue student identification cards must print on either side of the cards the telephone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The public or private institution of higher learning must also print on either side of the cards the social media platform, telephone number, or text number for at least one additional crisis resource selected by the public or private institution of higher learning pursuant to the available data regarding local school or community needs including, but not limited to:
(1) the Crisis Text Line;
(2) campus police or security or, if the campus does not have a campus police or security telephone number, the local law enforcement authority;
(3) a local suicide prevention hotline; or
(4) the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
(C) This section applies to any student identification card issued for the first time or for replacements to a damaged or lost student identification card.
(D) Public schools, charter schools, and institutions of higher learning issuing student identification cards pursuant to this section shall annually and prior to the start of each school year certify to their respective governing bodies that the contact information being printed on student identification cards is up to date and reflects the current contact information for crisis resources posted on the South Carolina Department of Mental Health's website.
HISTORY: 2021 Act No. 45 (S.231), Section 2, eff July 1, 2022.
Editor's Note
2021 Act No. 45, Sections 1, 3, provide as follows:
"SECTION 1. This act must be known and may be cited as the 'Student Identification Card Suicide Prevention Act'."
"SECTION 3. If a public school or institution of higher learning subject to the provisions of this act has a supply of unissued student identification cards that do not comply with the requirements of this act, then the school or institution may issue those student identification cards until the supply is depleted."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-390. Courses necessitating wearing of protective eye devices; purchase of devices; protective-corrective devices.

(A) A pupil and teacher in a public school shall wear an industrial quality eye device while participating in the following courses:
(1) career and technology or industrial art shops or laboratories involving use of or exposed to:
(a) hot molten metals;
(b) milling, sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, or stamping of any solid materials;
(c) heat treatment, tempering, or kiln firing of any metal or other materials;
(d) gas or electric arc welding;
(e) repair or servicing of any vehicle;
(f) caustic or explosive materials;
(2) chemical or combined chemical-physical laboratories involving caustic or explosive chemical or hot liquids or solids.
(B) The trustees of each school district shall purchase and place in public schools plano protective eye devices for the eye protection of pupils, teachers, and visitors to the classrooms or laboratories.
(C) A person desiring protective-corrective lenses instead of plano protective devices supplied by the school trustees, at his own expense, shall procure and equip himself with industrial quality eye protective devices secured from legally authorized dispensers.
(D) "Industrial quality eye protective device", as used in this section, means a device meeting the standards of the American Standard Safety Code for Head, Eye, and Respiratory Protection, Z2.1-1959, promulgated by the American Standards Association, Incorporated.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 32-697; 1965 (54) 679; 2005 Act No. 49, Section 1, eff May 3, 2005.
Effect of Amendment
The 2005 amendment redesignated the subsections and paragraphs and made nonsubstantive language changes throughout; and, in subsection (A)(1) substituted "career and technology" for "vocational".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-400. Sick leave for public school employees.

(A) All full-time employees of public schools accrue sick leave on the basis of one and one-fourth days of sick leave for each month of active service or twelve days for nine months of active service. Sick leave accrued but not used may be accumulated up to ninety days if the employees do not violate their respective contracts. Provisions for the additional benefits provided for in this section must be made on the same basis as existing sick leave benefits.
A school employee using sick leave as provided for in this section may not be terminated from employment nor during a continuing sick leave of less than ninety-one days.
The provisions of this section do not apply to employees of a school district which provides more liberal sick leave benefits. Any benefits accrued under school district sick leave policies in effect prior to July 1, 1976, are not lost as a result of this section.
Sick leave accumulated in compliance with this section is transferable to any school district in the State or to the State Department of Education by the employee with the earned leave.
(B) For the purposes of the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984 "full-time employee" means any person employed in a position for which certification is required by the State Department of Education or a person who has been employed in the school district for five months and works at least thirty hours per week.
(C) School districts shall report to the State Board of Education costs incurred in implementing subsection (A) of this section. The State Department of Education shall report the assembled cost data to the Executive Budget Office and the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.
HISTORY: 1976 Act No. 628 Sections 1, 2; 1984 Act No. 512, Part II, Section 47; 1990 Act No. 388, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-403. Restoration of sick leave of certain employees who changed employment from school district to State Department of Education.

An amount of sick leave not to exceed sixty days lost by a State Department of Education employee as a result of changing employment from a school district to the State Department of Education is restored if the employee was employed by the State Department of Education after June 28, 1984, and is employed on the effective date of this act.
HISTORY: 1990 Act No. 388, Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-405. Distribution of contraceptives on school grounds prohibited.

No contraceptive device or contraceptive medication may be distributed in or on the school grounds of any public elementary or secondary school. No school district may contract with any contraceptive provider for their distribution in or on the school grounds.
HISTORY: 1987 Act No. 167, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-435. Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act.

(A) This section may be cited as the "Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act".
(B) As used in this section, "discriminate" means to make a distinction in favor of or against a person on the basis of the group, class, or category to which the person belongs, rather than according to actual merit.
(C) A school district shall treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and must not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject.
(D) A student may express his beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of his submission. Homework and classroom assignments must be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school district. A student may not be penalized or rewarded based on the religious content of his work.
(E) Students may organize prayer groups, religious clubs, "see you at the pole" gatherings, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups. Religious groups must be given the same access to school facilities for assembling as is given to other noncurricular groups without discrimination based on the religious content of the students' expression. If student groups that meet for nonreligious activities are permitted to advertise or announce meetings of the groups, the school district must not discriminate against groups that meet for prayer or other religious speech. A school district may disclaim school sponsorship of noncurricular groups and events in a manner that neither favors nor disfavors groups that meet to engage in prayer or religious speech.
HISTORY: 2010 Act No. 180, Section 1, eff May 28, 2010.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-441. Policy to permit student to deliver message.

(A) The governing body of a school board or school district may adopt a policy that permits graduating high school students as selected by school policy using objective criteria such as academic standing or the ex-officio function of a student office or position, to deliver a brief opening or closing message, or both, of two minutes or less, at the high school's graduation exercises.
(B) If a student delivers a brief opening or closing message, or both, of two minutes or less, the content of that message must be prepared or selected by the student and may not be recommended, monitored, reviewed, or censored by a member of the governing body of the school district, its officers, or employees. No student may be disciplined or reprimanded by the school for the content of any nonobscene, nonprofane, or nonvulgar message delivered pursuant to this section.
(C) The provisions of this section do not apply to policies of the school district or high school that relate specifically to more lengthy, extensive, or featured speeches at the high school's graduation delivered by a class valedictorian or other student selected on bases such as academic standing or position in student government.
HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 331, Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-442. Policy to permit opening or closing message at school-sponsored athletic events.

(A) The governing body of a school board or school district may adopt a policy that permits either (1) the captains of athletic teams at a high school or their student designees; or (2) a student designated by the members of that team to deliver a brief opening or closing message, or both, of two minutes or less, at school-sponsored athletic events.
(B) If team captains, their student designees, or the student designees of athletic teams deliver a brief opening or closing message, or both, of two minutes or less, the content of that message must be prepared or selected by the student and may not be recommended, monitored, reviewed, or censored by a member of the governing body of the school district, its officers, or employees. No student may be disciplined or reprimanded by the school for the content of any nonobscene, nonprofane, or nonvulgar message delivered pursuant to this section.
HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 331, Section 3.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-445. Violations of mandatory test security; penalties; investigations.

(1) It is unlawful for anyone knowingly and wilfully to violate security procedures regulations promulgated by the State Board of Education for mandatory tests administered by or through the State Board of Education to students or educators, or knowingly and wilfully to:
(a) Give examinees access to test questions prior to testing;
(b) Copy, reproduce, or use in any manner inconsistent with test security regulations all or any portion of any secure test booklet;
(c) Coach examinees during testing or alter or interfere with examinees' responses in any way;
(d) Make answer keys available to examinees;
(e) Fail to follow security regulations for distribution and return of secure test as directed, or fail to account for all secure test materials before, during, and after testing;
(f) Participate in, direct, aid, counsel, assist in, encourage, or fail to report any of the acts prohibited in this section.
Any person violating the provisions of this section or regulations issued hereunder is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or be imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both. Upon conviction, the State Board of Education may suspend or revoke the administrative or teaching credentials, or both, of the person convicted.
(2) The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division shall investigate allegations of violations of mandatory test security, either on its own initiative following receipt of allegations, or at the request of a school district or the State Department of Education.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division shall furnish to the State Superintendent of Education a report of the findings of any investigation conducted pursuant to this section.
(3) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit or interfere with the responsibilities of the State Board of Education or the State Department of Education in test development or selection, test-form construction, standard setting, test scoring, and reporting, or any other related activities which in the judgment of the State Superintendent of Education are necessary and appropriate.
HISTORY: 1985 Act No. 201, Part II, Section 9B(A).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-448. Use of appropriated funds to raise salaries of principals or career and technology school directors.

Funds appropriated by the General Assembly must not be used to raise the salaries of public school principals or public career and technology school directors to meet the requirements of a regulation promulgated by the State Board of Education establishing a minimum differential between the salaries of teachers and the salaries of public school principals or public career and technology school directors on less than a monthly basis.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 658, Part II, Section 11A; 2005 Act No. 49, Section 2, eff May 3, 2005.
Effect of Amendment
The 2005 amendment substituted "career and technology" for "vocational" in two places and made nonsubstantive language changes.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-449. State Department of Education to report state and local funding requirements to local entities.

The State Department of Education shall report no later than May first in each year to all local government entities having the authority to levy school taxes the amount required in the applicable school districts to provide the state-required minimum effort and an analysis of all local effort requirements for the applicable districts, including the figures used in the computation of:
(1) local salary supplements;
(2) Education Finance Act foundation program; and
(3) per pupil maintenance of effort.
HISTORY: 1988 Act No. 658, Part II, Section 8.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › Section 59-1-451. Costs of the Target 2000-School Reform for the Next Decade Act; provisions not mandatory; local school districts not prohibited from implementing similar provisions.

All costs of implementing the provisions of the Target 2000-School Reform for the Next Decade Act (1989 Act No. 194) must be paid from funds appropriated for that purpose by the General Assembly. The programs of the Target 2000-School Reform for the Next Decade Act (1989 Act No. 194) must be implemented to the extent possible using funds appropriated by the General Assembly, but no provision of the Target 2000-School Reform for the Next Decade Act (1989 Act No. 194) is mandatory beyond the appropriation provided by the General Assembly. Nothing in this section prohibits local school districts from implementing programs similar to or as described in the Target 2000-School Reform for the Next Decade Act (1989 Act No. 194) on the district's initiative.
HISTORY: 1989 Act No. 194, Section 37.