The "South Carolina State American Sign Language Symbol Act" aims to designate the "I Love You" (ILY) hand gesture as the official American Sign Language symbol of South Carolina. The bill includes the addition of Section 1-1-687 to the South Carolina Code, which formally recognizes the ILY gesture and provides a detailed description of how it is performed. This gesture is intended to be incorporated into state branding, educational curricula, and public awareness campaigns, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Furthermore, the bill establishes Article 29 in Chapter 1, Title 1, outlining the responsibilities of various state agencies. The South Carolina Department of Education is tasked with integrating the ILY gesture into educational programs, while the South Carolina Arts Commission and State Historic Preservation Office will recognize existing sculptures of the gesture as part of the state's cultural heritage. The Governor's Office and relevant agencies are also directed to promote ASL awareness through events and collaborations with local businesses and organizations. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval and must be fully implemented by July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 1-1-687
Latest Version: 1-1-687