A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-21-720, RELATING TO CERTIFICATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTIFICATION, THE DEPARTMENT MAY ACCEPT THE CREDENTIALS OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, AND SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELORS CERTIFIED IN OTHER STATES TO SERVE AS SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THIS STATE UPON DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS OF THIS STATE, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY CERTIFICATION FOR APPLICANTS WHO NEED TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.Section 59-21-720 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

Section 59-21-720.(A) All school psychologists employed by the counties or school districts shall have a valid certificate issued by the State Board of Education according to regulations established by the Boardboard.

(B)In determining the eligibility of an applicant for certification as a school psychologist, the department may accept credentials as a school psychologist, social worker, or school guidance counselor issued by another state if the credentials meet the corresponding minimum requirements for certification as a school psychologist, social worker, or school guidance counselor in this State. If the credentialing requirements of the other states are less than those of this State, then an applicant must be allowed to meet the unmet requirements and the State shall issue a temporary professional credential to the applicant which is valid for a maximum of one hundred eighty days and may be extended by the board, in its discretion, to reasonably accommodate the specific circumstances of each applicant.

SECTION 2.This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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