Committee Report

April 24, 2024

H. 5438

Introduced by Rep. Hiott

S. Printed 04/24/24--H.

Read the first time April 18, 2024

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The committee on House Regulations and Administrative Procedures

To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (H. 5438) to approve regulations of the State Board of Education, relating to School and Classroom Library Materials, designated as Regulation Document Number 5269, pursuant, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

J.A. BRADLEY for Committee.

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A JOINT RESOLUTION

TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE State Board of Education, RELATING TO School and Classroom Library Materials, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 5269, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS.

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

SECTION 1.   The regulations of the State Board of Education, relating to School and Classroom Library Materials, designated as Regulation Document Number 5269, and submitted to the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Article 1, Chapter 23, Title 1 of the S.C. Code, are approved.

SECTION 2.   This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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SUMMARY AS SUBMITTED

BY PROMULGATING AGENCY.

The State Board of Education ("State Board") proposes this regulation which establishes consistent definitions and a two-prong threshold test for local educators and boards to determine if materials available to students in public schools are (1) Age and Developmentally Appropriate and (2) educationally suitable and aligned with the purpose of South Carolina's instructional program. It furthermore creates a uniform process for local school boards to review and hold public hearings on complaints raised within its district and establishes an appellate process to the State Board of Education.

The Notice of Drafting was published in the State Register on September 22, 2023.

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