The proposed bill, H. 3197, aims to enhance workforce readiness in South Carolina by establishing several key educational initiatives. It introduces a statewide workforce readiness goal, mandating that at least sixty percent of working-aged South Carolinians obtain a high-quality postsecondary degree or recognized industry credentials by 2032. The bill also requires public high schools to offer remediation courses in literacy and mathematics for seniors who are not adequately prepared for postsecondary education, allowing these courses to count towards high school graduation requirements. Additionally, it mandates that all high school seniors complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduation, with specific exemptions outlined for certain circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill transfers the responsibility for educator preparation program evaluations to the State Department of Education and establishes a commission to assess and report on the effectiveness of these programs. It also requires the Department of Employment and Workforce to provide free online access to information regarding the economic value of college majors, helping students make informed decisions about their education and career paths. The implementation of these provisions is set to begin with the 2026-2027 school year, and the bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 59-1-485, 59-29-245, 59-39-105, 59-26-35, 41-1-140
01/26/2026: 59-1-485, 59-29-245, 59-39-105, 59-26-35, 41-1-140
Latest Version: 59-1-485, 59-29-245, 59-39-105, 59-26-35, 41-1-140