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Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
AS PASSED BY THE SENATE
June 5, 2003
H. 3418
S. Printed 6/11/03--S.
Read the first time March 19, 2003.
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.
Amend Title To Conform
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. (A) 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 who are all registered in South Carolina and experienced in K-12 design, one K-12 school administrator, one representative of the K-12 construction industry, the State Fire Marshal or his designee, a representative of the Traffic Engineering Division of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, 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 his designee and the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee or his designee shall also serve as members of the committee, ex officio.
(B) All construction, improvement, and renovation of public school buildings and property on or after the effective date of this section must have plans and specifications submitted to the State Superintendent of Education or the superintendent's designee. Approval of the plans and specifications by the State Superintendent of Education or the superintendent's designee must be received before public bidding before the construction can begin. Plans and specifications must be coordinated with county officials such as traffic engineers and zoning administrators.
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 approval must be obtained from the State Superintendent of Education or the superintendent's designee before a building may be occupied.
Section 59-23-230. (A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Superintendent of Education is authorized to grant a waiver from applicable school building regulations relating to building square foot requirements for construction of a new public school building or for the conversion of an existing commercial building into a public school facility. As part of the waiver request, districts must supply documentation of the suitability of the property and justification for the waiver request.
(B) The authority granted the State Superintendent of Education under this section is superior to and supersedes provisions of applicable state school building regulations and the authority of a local building official or entity to disapprove the variances granted by the waiver. A provision of fire and life safety standards or specifications must not be waived.
(C) The property owner of a building considered appropriate for conversion to a public school by the State Superintendent of Education may lease its building to a local school board of trustees to be used as a public school within the district.
Section 59-23-240. All construction, improvements, and renovation of public school buildings and property for which waivers have been granted pursuant to Section 59-23-230 must be inspected by the State Superintendent of Education or the superintendent's designee before occupancy for compliance with the applicable waivers and standards.
Section 59-23-250. (A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, a requirement that public schools be constructed on a lot or parcel of certain minimum size is prohibited.
(B) School districts must receive approval from the South Carolina Department of Education prior to property acquisition or additions on existing properties."
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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