The bill H. 4257 amends the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance the enforcement of compulsory school attendance by requiring school administrators to approve student absences for participation in interscholastic activities authorized by the school or school district, regardless of whether these activities are sanctioned by the South Carolina High School League or other governing bodies. This change is reflected in the amendment to Section 59-5-65, which establishes a uniform system of attendance enforcement that includes this requirement.

Additionally, the bill makes conforming changes to Section 59-65-90, which outlines the rules and regulations for defining lawful and unlawful absences. The amendments specify that school officials must intervene when a student has three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences, and they must also approve or disapprove any student absence exceeding ten days. The bill emphasizes the importance of allowing absences for interscholastic activities, thereby promoting student participation in such events while maintaining the integrity of attendance regulations. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
03/27/2025: 59-5-65, 59-65-90
04/29/2025: 59-5-65, 59-65-90
04/30/2025: 59-5-65, 59-65-90
04/30/2025-A: 59-5-65, 59-65-90
Latest Version: 59-5-65, 59-65-90