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COMMITTEE REPORT
March 30, 2022
S. 969
Introduced by Senators Garrett, Kimbrell, Rice, Adams, Talley, Cash, M. Johnson, Gustafson, Hembree, Loftis, Shealy, Peeler, Climer, Gambrell, Turner and Verdin
S. Printed 3/30/22--S. [SEC 3/31/22 8:01 PM]
Read the first time January 12, 2022.
To whom was referred a Bill (S. 969) to amend the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, by adding Section 59-1-325 to authorize the State Board of Education to make rules and regulations requiring, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting:
/ SECTION 1. Article 5, Chapter 1, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-1-325. (A) The State Superintendent of Education shall make provisions to implement rules and regulations developed by the State Board of Education for the display of the following depictions in a prominent location in each public school in this State:
(1) the official motto of the United States, 'In God We Trust';
(2) the official mottos of South Carolina, 'Dum Spiro Spero' and 'Animis Opibusque Parati', and their respective translations;
(3) an accurate representation of the United States flag; and
(4) an accurate representation of the South Carolina state flag.
(B) The head of each public school shall ensure that the depictions required in subsection (A) are displayed in the manner adopted by the State Board of Education and as directed by the State Superintendent of Education. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of funds donated to achieve its purpose."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. /
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend title to conform.
GREG HEMBREE for Committee.
STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED FISCAL IMPACT
Explanation of Fiscal Impact
State Expenditure
This bill requires the State Board of Education to make rules and regulations for the display of 'In God We Trust,' the official motto of the United States, and 'Dum Spiro Spero' and 'Animis Opibusque Parati,' the official mottos of South Carolina. Public schools must display the mottos in the manner adopted by the State Board of Education.
State Department of Education. SCDE indicates that the bill will have no expenditure impact since the requirement to make rules and regulations for the display of the mottos can be accomplished within existing appropriations.
State Agency Schools. The Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, the Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, and the School for the Deaf and Blind indicate that the bill will have no expenditure impact since any expenses for printing and display can be managed within existing appropriations. Therefore, this bill will have no expenditure impact on the state agency schools.
Local Expenditure
As previously noted, this bill requires the State Board of Education to make rules and regulations for the display of the official mottos of the United States and South Carolina in public schools.
SCDE indicates that the bill will have no expenditure impact on local school districts since any expenses for printing the mottos can be managed within the existing budgets of the districts.
Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director
Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office
TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-325 TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MAKE RULES AND REGULATIONS REQUIRING THE DISPLAY OF THE OFFICIAL MOTTOS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, July 30, 2016, marked the 60th anniversary of "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States; and
Whereas, in 2011, by resolution of the United States House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the United States Senate, the United States Congress reaffirmed "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and supported and encouraged the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other governmental institutions; and
Whereas, "In God We Trust" appears over the south entrance to the United States Senate Chamber and above the Speaker's rostrum in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives; and
Whereas, the motto has been an integral part of the society of the United States since its founding and first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864; and
Whereas, "Dum Spiro Spero", which translates to "While I breathe, I hope" is perhaps the most well known of South Carolina's two mottos and appears on the State Seal that was adopted in 1776; and
Whereas, reflecting the character and beliefs of the citizens of South Carolina, "Dum Spiro Spero" illustrates the inherent spirit of South Carolinians to overcome obstacles and face each day with the courage and determination to do what is just in the face of adversity; and
Whereas, "Animis Opibusque Parati", which translates to "Prepared in Mind and Resources", is the other South Carolina state motto. It is especially fitting that this motto appear in state schools, as it reflects the central aim of South Carolina's education system. Now, therefore:
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Article 5, Chapter 1, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-1-325. The State Board of Education shall make rules and regulations for the display of 'In God We Trust,' the official motto of the United States, and 'Dum Spiro Spero' and 'Animis Opibusque Parati,' the official mottos of South Carolina. The person at the head of a public school shall ensure that the mottos are displayed in the manner adopted by the State Board of Education."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
This web page was last updated on March 31, 2022 at 8:02 PM