Bill
H 3265
SC IEP teams must consider age- and developmentally appropriate health-education topics in IEPs; DOE will issue guidelines and districts must apply them.
Note on document sources
- The materials provided include two distinct bills merged in one file: (1) a South Carolina amendment creating Section 59-32-25 (described below) concerning individualized education programs (IEPs) and comprehensive health education; and (2) an unrelated Massachusetts House docket (H 3265) establishing an employer-provided childcare tax credit pilot. This summary focuses on the South Carolina IEP proposal titled “Individualized education programs.” Verify the correct jurisdiction and bill number with your legislative clerk if needed.
Purpose
- Require IEP teams to explicitly consider age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate instruction for subjects taught under the state’s comprehensive health education program when developing IEPs for students with disabilities.
- Direct the State Department of Education to create and publish guidelines to assist IEP teams in implementing this consideration.
Key provisions
- Addition to South Carolina Code, Title 59, Chapter 32: new Section 59-32-25.
- Subsection (A): IEP teams must consider the need for age- and developmentally-appropriate instruction on topics covered by the comprehensive health education program when preparing IEPs for children with disabilities. The Department of Education will establish guidelines to help teams comply.
- Subsection (B): Each district board must ensure, in addition to existing State Board of Education requirements, that IEP teams consider the Department’s guidelines when developing IEPs.
Who is affected
- Students with disabilities receiving services through IEPs in South Carolina public schools.
- IEP teams (teachers, special educators, related services personnel, parents/guardians, and other required participants).
- School district boards and local schools, which are responsible for ensuring compliance.
- South Carolina Department of Education, which must develop and publish the prescribed guidelines.
Compliance and implementation
- The bill requires the Department of Education to produce guidelines but does not specify a deadline for issuing them.
- District boards must incorporate consideration of those guidelines into their IEP development processes.
- Effective date: upon approval by the Governor (i.e., takes effect upon signature).
Potential impacts and considerations
- Clarifies and standardizes expectations that health education content for students with disabilities be tailored by age and developmental level, which may improve relevance and accessibility of health instruction.
- Could require districts to provide training, revise IEP templates and procedures, and document consideration of the guidelines during IEP meetings.
- Implementation burden and timing will depend on how quickly the Department issues guidelines and on districts’ capacity to adjust IEP processes.
Recommended follow-up
- Confirm the bill’s current status and correct bill number in the South Carolina General Assembly records.
- Monitor publication of the Department of Education’s guidelines and any guidance/training offered to districts.
- Review any implementing language or regulations from the State Board of Education that might supplement this statute.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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