The bill H. 5169 aims to amend Section 59-1-400 of the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding sick leave for public school employees. The key change requires that teachers who separate from employment with a school district must be compensated for their accrued but unused sick leave within thirty days of their separation. However, this payment obligation is waived if the teacher enters into a contract with another school district that allows for the transfer of their unused sick leave within that thirty-day period.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing provisions related to sick leave accumulation, stating that full-time public school employees accrue sick leave at a rate of one and one-fourth days per month, with a maximum accumulation of ninety days. It also clarifies that sick leave benefits are transferable between school districts and that employees cannot be terminated while on sick leave for less than ninety-one days. The bill is set to take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/11/2026: 59-1-400
Latest Version: 59-1-400