summary
Introduced
03/11/2026
03/11/2026
In Committee
03/11/2026
03/11/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Adding Section 59-29-250 So As To Provide That The Department Of Education Shall Establish A Firearm Safety Program, To Provide Instruction Requirements, And To Provide For The Development Of The Program.
AI Summary
This bill mandates the South Carolina Department of Education to establish a firearm safety pilot program, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources, to determine the appropriate grade level for firearm safety instruction by studying injury data and susceptibility to harm. Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, participating school districts or charter schools, prioritized by counties with the highest rates of childhood firearm injury or death, will offer this instruction from the determined earliest grade through twelfth grade. The curriculum will cover safe storage, school safety related to firearms, how to avoid injury if a firearm is found, and the importance of never touching a found firearm and immediately notifying an adult. Crucially, the instruction must be politically neutral, avoiding discussions on gun rights or the Second Amendment, and will not involve live ammunition, live fire, or actual firearms. The Department of Natural Resources will develop the curriculum, which must only bear the logos of the Department of Education and the Department of Natural Resources, and instruction can be delivered through various methods like classroom lessons, videos, or online materials, with participating districts deciding how to integrate it into their school year.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (62)
Patrick Haddon (R)*,
Lucas Atkinson (D),
Nathan Ballentine (R),
Heather Bauer (D),
Thomas Beach (R),
Beth Bernstein (D),
Phillip Bowers (R),
Jeff Bradley (R),
Gary Brewer (R),
Case Brittain (R),
Mike Burns (R),
Paula Calhoon (R),
Bill Chumley (R),
Bill Clyburn (D),
Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D),
Neal Collins (R),
Brandon Cox (R),
Heather Crawford (R),
Sylleste Davis (R),
Sarita Edgerton (R),
Greg Ford (R),
Cal Forrest (R),
Kambrell Garvin (D),
Daniel Gibson (R),
Doug Gilliam (R),
Jerry Govan (D),
Hamilton Grant (D),
Val Guest (R),
Bill Hager (R),
Charles Hartz (R),
Jackie Hayes (D),
Bill Herbkersman (R),
Lee Hewitt (R),
Leon Howard (D),
William Huff (R),
Jermaine Johnson (D),
Jay Kilmartin (R),
Roger Kirby (D),
John Lastinger (R),
Randy Ligon (R),
Jason Luck (D),
Josiah Magnuson (R),
Cody Mitchell (R),
Dianne Mitchell (R),
Brandon Newton (R),
Weston Newton (R),
Tommy Pope (R),
Luke Rankin (R),
Robert Reese (D),
Robby Robbins (R),
Blake Sanders (R),
Carla Schuessler (R),
Keishan Scott (D),
Mark Smith (R),
David Vaughan (R),
David Weeks (D),
Spencer Wetmore (D),
Paul Wickensimer (R),
Robert Williams (D),
Mark Willis (R),
Chris Wooten (R),
Richie Yow (R),
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works (on 03/11/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=5353&session=126&summary=B |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/5353_20260311.htm |
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