Bill > S0077

This bill requires all public school governing bodies, including those of charter and special schools, to livestream their meetings and make them accessible to the public, in line with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Under the proposed legislation, if a governing body cannot provide livestream access, they must record the entire meeting and post it on their website within seven days. The State Board of Education must develop a model policy that outlines best practices for livestreaming, including technical recommendations, public notification strategies, guidelines for executive sessions, and potential penalties for non-compliance (up to one percent of state funds). School boards must adopt their own local policies within three months of the state's model policy, which cannot prevent in-person public participation. The policies must be submitted to the State Superintendent of Education for approval, and the state will provide funding to districts without streaming capabilities as of the 2024-2025 school year. The bill mandates implementation by January 1, 2026, and will take effect upon the Governor's approval, with provisions for schools in areas with limited broadband access to request additional time to comply.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=77&session=126&summary=B