The bill H. 3199 seeks to implement an open enrollment option for public schools in South Carolina, allowing parents to apply for their children to attend any public school or program starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It requires local school boards to create open enrollment policies that comply with federal desegregation laws and detail application processes, timelines, and communication strategies. The bill also prohibits public schools from contracting with private entities for interscholastic competitions unless they allow participation from students outside their designated attendance zones. Furthermore, it introduces a limited transfer option for current students, establishes criteria for enrollment priority, and outlines the process for denying applications.

In addition to these provisions, the bill amends various sections of the South Carolina Code related to public school enrollment and repeals Section 59-63-500, which previously allowed student transfers without the consent of the home school district. It mandates annual reporting by school districts on student transfers and sets up a framework for the Department of Education to monitor and publish data on open enrollment practices statewide. The bill also allows for the admission of students from adjacent counties, contingent upon financial arrangements for costs not covered by state funds, and includes a clause ensuring the validity of remaining sections if any part of the act is deemed unconstitutional. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 59-63-25, 59-63-102, 59-63-30, 59-63-480, 59-63-500
Latest Version: 59-63-25, 59-63-102, 59-63-30, 59-63-480, 59-63-500