The "School Safety and Hazard Buffers Act" aims to enhance safety for public and private K-12 schools in South Carolina by establishing minimum safety setbacks from industrial, manufacturing, and hazardous material facilities. The bill introduces new regulations that prohibit the construction or operation of such facilities within specified distances—1,500 feet for new industrial or advanced manufacturing facilities and 2,640 feet for those handling regulated hazardous chemicals. It also mandates public notice and transparency regarding any proposed facility operations near schools, requiring comprehensive safety assessments and public notifications before permits can be issued. The Department of Environmental Services is tasked with enforcing these regulations and ensuring compliance.

Additionally, the act outlines specific definitions for various terms related to hazardous facilities and chemicals, and it provides guidelines for existing facilities operating before July 1, 2026, which are not required to cease operations but must adhere to updated safety measures. The bill includes provisions for civil penalties for violations and emphasizes the importance of coordination with local emergency management and school districts to ensure preparedness. The Department is also directed to promulgate regulations to implement the act by July 1, 2027, ensuring ongoing updates to safety protocols in line with federal standards.