The bill H. 4302 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 63-7-2355, which mandates that children in foster care placed in residential facilities be assigned to sex-specific accommodations based on their anatomical sex at birth, as indicated on their original birth certificate. This requirement applies to any residential facility receiving state funding, which must assign youth to housing units and sleeping quarters accordingly. The bill also stipulates that no state funds will be allocated to facilities that do not comply with this provision, and the Department of Social Services is tasked with monitoring compliance and enforcing penalties, including the suspension or termination of funding for noncompliant facilities.

Additionally, the bill specifies that any residential facility found in violation of this section will be ineligible for state funding for at least one fiscal year following the determination of noncompliance. However, it allows for exceptions in cases where single-occupancy accommodations or other arrangements are necessary for the safety and well-being of the youth, as long as they do not violate the anatomical sex-based assignment requirement. The definition of "residential facility" is also clarified to include various types of establishments that provide residential services to children in the custody of the Department of Social Services. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
04/03/2025: 63-7-2355
Latest Version: 63-7-2355