A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-25-445 SO AS TO REQUIRE THE SUPERINTENDENT OF A DISTRICT TO NOTIFY THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF AN ALLEGATION AGAINST A TEACHER AND THE STEPS TAKEN TO INVESTIGATE; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-33-125 SO AS TO REQUIRE ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DEVELOP POLICIES TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT STAFF ARE PRESENT WHEN CERTAIN SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO HANDICAPPED STUDENTS.

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

SECTION 1.  Chapter 25, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 59-25-445. Whenever a superintendent finds no cause exists for the dismissal of a teacher based on an allegation that requires reporting pursuant to Section 63-7-310, the superintendent must notify the state board of education of the allegation and all steps taken to investigate the matter. If the state board finds the steps taken by the district to be insufficient, the state board may perform a separate investigation into the allegation.

SECTION 2.  Chapter 33, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 59-33-125. All school districts shall develop policies to ensure sufficient staff are present when services of a personal nature are being provided to handicapped children. For purposes of this section, services of a personal nature are defined as assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing.

SECTION 3.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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