The bill S. 77 aims to enhance public access to school board meetings in South Carolina by mandating that all public school governing bodies, including those of charter and special schools, provide livestream access to their meetings. The legislation requires these governing bodies to adopt and implement policies that ensure meetings are open to the public and accessible via live video and audio, with exceptions for lawful executive sessions. If livestream access cannot be provided, a clear audio and video recording of the meeting must be made available on the governing body's website within two business days.

Additionally, the State Board of Education is tasked with creating a model livestream meeting policy that includes best practices, publicizing meeting availability, and penalties for noncompliance. Each governing body must adopt a local policy based on this model within three months of its adoption, and any revisions to the model policy must also be incorporated within the same timeframe. The bill stipulates that these provisions must be implemented by July 1, 2025, and takes effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/11/2024: 59-19-85
02/12/2025: 59-19-85
02/19/2025: 59-19-85
05/01/2025: 59-19-85
05/06/2025: 59-19-85
Latest Version: 59-19-85