Bill S. 62 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws concerning the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) and the K-12 Education Lottery Scholarship program. Key amendments include updated definitions for "eligible student" and "eligible school," with income thresholds for eligibility that will increase over time. The bill establishes a standardized application process for students and schools, requiring education service providers to certify annually that they meet program requirements. It also ensures that funds are allocated from the South Carolina Education Lottery Account and managed by the department, with stipulations that any remaining funds in a scholarship student's account revert to the K-12 education lottery scholarship fund if the student leaves the program or is no longer domiciled in the state.

Additionally, the bill introduces a review panel to advise on the program and its expenses, mandates compliance with health and safety laws for education service providers, and requires annual academic progress documentation for scholarship students. It clarifies that school districts can implement their own intra-district transfer policies while requiring a model interdistrict transfer policy to be adopted. The bill also ensures that scholarship students transferring between public schools can participate in interscholastic sports immediately. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the accountability, effectiveness, and safety of the scholarship program while ensuring equitable treatment for eligible students in South Carolina.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350
01/14/2025: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350
01/16/2025: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350
01/23/2025: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350
01/28/2025: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350
01/29/2025: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350
01/29/2025-A: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350
01/30/2025: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350
Latest Version: 59-8-110, 59-8-115, 59-8-120, 59-8-125, 59-8-130, 59-8-135, 59-8-140, 59-8-145, 59-8-150, 59-8-160, 59-8-165, 59-8-170, 59-150-350