The bill H. 3245 aims to amend Section 59-63-100 of the South Carolina Code to allow high school students attending private or charter schools to participate in interscholastic athletic programs at public schools under specific conditions. These conditions include residing within the attendance zone of the public school, the private or charter school not being a member of the South Carolina High School League, the absence of the sport for the student's gender at their school, and the student notifying the public school superintendent of their intent to try out. Additionally, the student must pay any sport-specific fees and meet all eligibility requirements of the public school district, except for attendance and enrollment criteria.

The bill also introduces definitions for "private school" and "charter school" and stipulates that public school districts cannot contract with private entities that prohibit participation from private or charter school students. Furthermore, it ensures that eligibility requirements for new students are not more restrictive than those in place as of January 1, 2025. The provisions of the act clarify that participation in public school sports does not impose public school policies on private or charter schools, except for maintaining a certain grade-point average and regular attendance at practices. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 59-63-100
Latest Version: 59-63-100
12/06/2024: 59-63-100