Rep. TERRIBILE proposes the following Amendment No. to H.4025 as introduced by Ways & Means

(Doc Name h:\legwork\house\amend\h-wm\011\flag displays.docx):

EXPLANATION: Regulation of flag displays in public school classrooms.

Amend the bill, as and if amended, Part IB, Section 1, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, page 305, after line 3, by adding an appropriately numbered proviso to read:

/(SDE: Flag Displays in Classrooms) Of the funds appropriated to the Department of Education for Fiscal Year 2025-26, the following provisions shall apply:

 (A) Regulation of Flag Displays in Public School Classrooms

  (1)  No state funds may be used to purchase, display, or otherwise promote any flag within public school classrooms other than the following:

   (a) the flag of the United States of America;

   (b)  the flag of the State of South Carolina;

   (c)  the officially adopted flag of the respective school district or school, if applicable.

  (2)  Any school district receiving state funding must ensure compliance with this policy and report any unauthorized flag displays to the Department of Education.

 (B) Administrative Exceptions

  (1)  The school district superintendent or an authorized administrator may grant exceptions to the flag display policy on a case-by-case basis under the following conditions:

   (a) the flag is directly related to an educational purpose, such as historical or cultural studies, and is displayed on a temporary basis;

   (b)  the request for an exemption is submitted, in writing, by a teacher, school official, or parent and includes justification for its educational relevance;

   (c)  the display does not endorse, promote, or discourage any political movement, social ideology, or individual belief system in violation of school neutrality policies; and

   (d) the flag display does not interfere with the educational environment or disrupt school operations.

  (2)  A written record of all granted exceptions must be maintained and made available upon request by the school board or state education authorities.

 (C) Enforcement and Compliance

  (1)  Each school district shall develop and implement guidelines to ensure compliance with this provision including, but not limited to:

   (a) procedures for handling flag display exemption requests;

   (b)  processes for reporting and addressing violations;

   (c)  training for school administrators and faculty on the policy's application and intent.

  (2)  Any school found in violation of this provision may be subject to corrective measures as determined by the State Board of Education, including mandatory training or administrative review.

  (3)  Schools shall not discipline students for personal expression of flags on their clothing, personal belongings, or non-disruptive individual speech, provided such expression adheres to existing school policies on student conduct and dress code.

 (D) The Department of Education shall provide a report to the General Assembly by June 30, 2026, detailing all expenditures and enforcement actions related to this provision. /

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend totals and titles to conform.