The bill H. 4559 seeks to amend Section 4-9-70 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically regarding the powers of county councils in relation to public school education. The amendment clarifies that while county councils will not gain additional powers concerning public school education, they will determine the method of establishing school tax millage. However, it stipulates that in counties where the General Assembly retained authority over school district millage as of January 1, 1974, that authority will remain until it is transferred by legislative act. Additionally, it ensures that established procedures for setting school tax millage through referendums or meetings of qualified electors remain unchanged.

A significant change introduced in the bill is the responsibility of individual school districts to calculate, levy, and collect taxes based on the established millage for properties within their jurisdiction. Consequently, the county council will no longer include the established millage in property tax bills. This shift aims to streamline the tax collection process and clarify the roles of school districts and county councils in managing school funding. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
05/08/2025: 4-9-70
Latest Version: 4-9-70