WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 3247

Excused school absences

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phillip Bowers and 12 co-sponsors

Public districts must allow excused absences for teacher-directed work-based learning and CTSO activities, capped at 10 days per student per year.

Act No. 6
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3247

Summary — H 3247 / Act No. 6 (2025): Excused school absences for work‑based learning / CTSO experiences

Note: The materials supplied included unrelated text from a Massachusetts tax/abandoned‑building bill. This summary covers the South Carolina measure that was adopted as Act No. 6 (commonly referenced as the addition of Section 59‑1‑462 to the S.C. Code).

Main purpose

To require each public‑school district to adopt a policy authorizing excused absences (subject to limits) for students who participate in teacher‑directed work‑based learning experiences or Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) activities, including organized competitions or exhibitions (examples cited: state/national FFA and 4‑H events). The bill also clarifies that students and parents are responsible for obtaining and completing missed assignments.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 59‑1‑462 to the South Carolina Code.
  • Each school district must adopt a policy that:
    • Authorizes excused absences for students participating in work‑based learning experiences in which participation and learning outcomes are directed by a certified teacher for assessment of competencies.
    • Explicitly includes CTSO experiences (examples: state/national Future Farmers of America (FFA) events and 4‑H exhibitions/competitions).
    • (As amended) Limits excused absences for these activities to no more than 10 school days per student per school year.
  • The student and the student’s parent or legal guardian are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments missed during the excused absence.
  • The act takes effect upon the Governor’s approval.

Who is affected

  • Students in public K‑12 schools who participate in qualifying work‑based learning or CTSO activities.
  • Parents/legal guardians (responsible for ensuring completion of missed work).
  • Local school districts (required to adopt implementing policies and manage attendance/designation of excused days).
  • Certified teachers who supervise or direct the learning experiences used to justify excused absences.

Implementation and timeline (selected milestones)

  • Prefiled: 12/05/2024
  • Introduced / first reading in House: 01/14/2025
  • Committee reports and amendments adopted (Education / Education & Public Works); amendment added a 10‑day per year cap (early March 2025).
  • Readings, concurrence, and enrollment: March 2025 (roll calls show unanimous or strong support).
  • Signed by Governor: 04/28/2025
  • Effective date: 04/28/2025
  • Filed as Act No. 6.

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Encourages student participation in CTSO and work‑based learning by removing attendance barriers.
  • Local districts must create or revise attendance/leave policies and processes for documenting teacher‑directed learning experiences.
  • Operational impacts include tracking excused days, coordinating make‑up work, and verifying teacher supervision for competency assessment.
  • No state funding or mandate for supplementary staffing or transportation was included in the text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.