Bill > H4610

This bill designates the "I Love You" (ILY) hand gesture as the official American Sign Language (ASL) symbol of South Carolina, which involves extending the thumb, index finger, and pinky while folding down the middle and ring fingers. The legislation aims to promote awareness and education about ASL by requiring various state agencies to incorporate the symbol into their work: the Department of Education will integrate the gesture into curriculum and develop instructional materials about ASL, the Arts Commission and Historic Preservation Office will recognize and encourage public art featuring the gesture, the Governor's Office will establish an annual ASL recognition event, and the Department of Transportation will create educational signage about the symbol. The bill highlights the gesture's cultural significance as a representation of love, unity, and inclusivity, particularly for deaf and hard of hearing communities, and notes its existing presence in South Carolina through public sculptures. By making this official, the state seeks to encourage accessibility, communication equity, and broader understanding of ASL, with full implementation expected by July 1, 2027.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4610&session=126&summary=B