The "Uniform Requirements for Interscholastic Activity Participation Act" aims to establish standardized criteria for student participation in interscholastic activities in South Carolina. The bill introduces Section 59-63-97 to the South Carolina Code of Laws, defining key terms such as "interscholastic activities" and "core academic classes." It stipulates that students cannot be excused from core academic classes for participation in these activities unless under extraordinary circumstances documented by the school principal. Additionally, the bill restricts the use of instructional funds for interscholastic activities, allowing such funds only for salaries of coaches who are also classroom teachers, while all other costs must be covered through alternative funding sources.

To ensure academic integrity, the bill mandates that students in grades nine through twelve maintain a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA in core academic classes to participate in interscholastic activities. It also requires independent verification of academic performance by personnel not involved in the activities. Each school district is tasked with adopting policies to comply with these requirements, and violations may lead to administrative reviews and corrective actions, including the suspension of funding or participation privileges. The act is set to take effect upon the Governor's approval and will be applicable starting with the 2027-2028 school year.

Statutes affected:
02/10/2026: 59-63-97
Latest Version: 59-63-97