The "Safe Schools Act of 2026" aims to enhance school safety in South Carolina by establishing a Multijurisdictional School Safety Task Force and mandating the development of Multihazard Emergency Operation Plans (MEOP) for school districts. The task force, consisting of seven appointed members from various state agencies and sectors, will be responsible for creating statewide safety policies, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Each school district is required to develop and annually update its MEOP, which must include protocols for prevention, response, and recovery, as well as communication and evacuation procedures.

Additionally, the act mandates that every public and charter school undergo a certified security assessment every three years, conducted by qualified assessors. Schools must also conduct live-action safety drills each academic year, with specific requirements for full-scale drills related to fire, active shooter, and severe weather scenarios. Noncompliance with these requirements may result in penalties, including withholding state funds. The provisions of the act are set to be fully implemented by July 1, 2027, with the first security assessments required within two years of the act's effective date.