Bill > H4725

This bill requires all K-12 public schools in South Carolina to record all special education classroom instruction, including lectures, discussions, and instructional activities, using both video and audio technology. Schools must notify students and guardians about recordings and obtain written consent, with recordings to be stored securely and made accessible to the public for five years in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill mandates privacy protections, including redacting or anonymizing recordings to protect student and educator identities, and establishes that the State Department of Education will oversee compliance and provide guidance. Schools must submit annual reports detailing their recording practices and promptly report any interruptions in recording capabilities. The bill prohibits commercial use of these recordings, with violations punishable by a fine up to $100 or imprisonment for up to 30 days. The legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in special education classrooms while balancing the need to protect student privacy, with implementation set to begin on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4725&session=126&summary=B