South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

South Carolina Senate Bill S1060

Introduced
3/26/26  

Caption

Educator Safety and Classroom Authority Act

Impact

The legislation seeks to create a structured environment where educators can implement classroom rules, enforce discipline, and respond efficiently to disruptive conduct. By defining terms such as 'disruptive conduct', 'abusive language', and 'criminal conduct', the bill aims to clarify expectations and promote safety in classrooms. Additionally, it mandates that local school districts revise their student and staff codes of conduct to align with the new provisions, which is anticipated to impact how school policies are enforced and how educators interact with students in disciplinary contexts.

Summary

S1060, known as the Educator Safety and Classroom Authority Act, aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to enhance safety for educators within public school settings. It introduces new definitions and processes related to educator authority, specifically in situations involving disruptive or violent student behaviors. The bill underscores the need for clear standards on classroom conduct and empowers educators with the authority to manage classroom situations effectively while ensuring their protection from liability for actions taken in good faith to restore order.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S1060 include concerns from various education stakeholders about the extent of authority granted to educators and the potential implications for student rights. Critics argue that while enhancing educator authority is necessary, it is equally important to ensure that disciplinary measures do not disproportionately impact vulnerable student populations. The bill provides a rebuttable presumption of good faith for educators acting under the new regulations, which could raise discussions on the thresholds of acceptable force and discipline, especially regarding the removal of students from classroom settings.

Companion Bills

SC H5483

Similar To Educator Safety and Classroom Authority Act of 2026

Previously Filed As

SC H5483

Educator Safety and Classroom Authority Act of 2026

SC SB332

AN ACT relating to special education classrooms.

SC HB791

AN ACT relating to special education classrooms.

SC H7526

Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.

SC S2524

Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.

SC H3209

Designated discliplinary classrooms

SC S365

Relative to video cameras required in certain special education classrooms

SC S0065

Electronic Communication Device in the Classroom

SC HB728

Relating to certain policies and procedures for the placement and use of video cameras in certain classrooms, including classrooms that provide special education services.

SC HB659

Public K-12 education; Bill of Rights in the Classroom Act, publication of standardized version by State Department of Education required, display of the Bill of Rights in classrooms and on local board of education websites required, reporting process and remedies for noncompliance provided

Similar Bills

TN HB1895

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to parental notification of classroom evacuations.

SC H3209

Designated discliplinary classrooms

SC H5483

Educator Safety and Classroom Authority Act of 2026

IA SF2044

A bill for an act relating to the responsibilities of school districts and charter schools related to the discipline of students who cause violent or nonviolent disruptions.(See SF 2428.)

NJ S3539

Provides secondary classroom experience credit towards meeting requirements of classroom training portion of registered apprenticeship.

RI H7526

Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.

RI S2524

Establishes provisions for student and teacher classroom safety and provides the authority to remove students from classrooms. This act provides for student and educator protections from said removals.

FL S1170

Education