The bill H. 4468 aims to establish local advisory councils for educating students with disabilities in each school district and charter school in South Carolina. It mandates that these councils be formed by the respective governing bodies and outlines their membership composition, which must include at least fifty-one percent parents or legal guardians of students with disabilities, along with other stakeholders such as students with disabilities, public school administrators, and special education teachers. The bill also specifies the duties of these councils, which include advising local boards on the needs of students with disabilities, commenting on school improvement plans, and advocating for students and their families.

Additionally, the bill requires local boards to adopt bylaws governing the councils, including terms of service and procedures for selecting council members. It sets deadlines for the creation of model bylaws by the South Carolina Advisory Council for Educating Students with Disabilities (ACESD) and mandates that local councils submit their bylaws for approval by May 1, 2027, with the first meetings to be held by September 1, 2027. The local school districts or charter school authorizers are tasked with providing administrative support to these councils. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
04/30/2025: 59-33-55
Latest Version: 59-33-55