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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 2 TO CHAPTER 23, TITLE 59 SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR APPLICABLE STANDARDS, WHICH APPLY TO THE CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, OR RENOVATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY, AND TO REQUIRE THE CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, OR RENOVATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY TO BE INSPECTED BY THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION OR THE SUPERINTENDENT'S DESIGNEE BEFORE OCCUPANCY AND A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY OBTAINED FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT; AND TO REPEAL ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 59 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO SCHOOL BUILDING CODES AND INSPECTIONS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Chapter 23 of Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
Section 59-23-210. All construction, improvement, and renovation of public school buildings and property on or after the effective date of this section shall comply with the latest applicable standards and specifications set forth in the South Carolina School Facilities Planning and Construction Guide as published by the South Carolina Department of Education.
This guide must be reviewed and updated on an annual basis by a committee appointed by the South Carolina Department of Education. The committee shall consist of a minimum of two architects and one engineer (all registered in South Carolina and experienced in K-12 design), one K-12 school administrator, one representative of the K-12 construction industry and two representatives of the South Carolina Department of Education. In addition, the chairman of the House of Representatives Education and Public Works Committee or designee and the chairman of the Senate Education Committee or designee shall serve as members of the committee.
Section 59-23-220. All construction, improvements, and renovation of public school buildings and property must be inspected by the State Superintendent of Education or the superintendent's designee for compliance with the applicable codes and standards.
A certificate of occupancy must be obtained from the State Superintendent of Education or the superintendent's designee before a building may be occupied. The certificate of occupancy must be reviewed and approved by the State Fire Marshal before it may be issued by the Superintendent of Education or the superintendent's designee."
SECTION 2. Article 1, Chapter 23, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is repealed.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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