A series of new South Carolina laws took effect July 1, bringing changes that affect public schools, teachers, social media companies, anglers and state government.
Several of the measures center on education, including new grading requirements, school emergency preparedness and teacher recruitment efforts.
One of the most significant changes is a statewide ban on "grade floor" policies in K-12 public schools. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, school districts may no longer require teachers to assign a minimum grade that does not reflect a student's actual academic performance. The law, authored by state Sen. Jeff Zell, District 36, also requires students to complete all missing coursework before participating in credit recovery programs and establishes a statewide task force to review South Carolina's Uniform Grading Policy.
Districts that adopt prohibited grading practices could face a reduction of up to 10% in state classroom funding.
The new law makes South Carolina the first state in the nation to prohibit minimum grading policies statewide.
Another education measure, known as the Smart Heart Act, requires every public school district to develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan for responding to sudden cardiac arrest. Districts must establish school-based emergency response teams, maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and ensure coaches receive CPR and AED training. AEDs also will be required at athletic practices and sporting events.
While the law officially took effect July 1, districts have until the 2027-28 school year to fully implement the requirements.
Parts of the Educator Assistance Act also became effective July 1. The legislation updates educator certification, evaluation and professional support programs while aiming to improve teacher recruitment and retention across the state.
A proposed increase in the state's minimum starting teacher salary to $50,500 remains tied to final approval of the state budget.
South Carolina also enacted a new law aimed at increasing transparency among certain social media companies. Covered platforms must now submit annual independent audits to the South Carolina Attorney General detailing the policies and practices they use to help protect minors online.
Outside education, anglers will see new restrictions on harvesting red drum, also known as spot-tail bass. The daily harvest limit has been reduced from two fish to one per person, with a maximum of two fish per boat. Fish kept must measure between 18 and 25 inches, and anglers using natural bait for red drum and certain other saltwater game fish must use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks sized 4/0 or larger.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation also gains new authority to enter into public-private partnerships for bridge and highway projects and to use alternative contracting methods intended to speed construction.
Other laws taking effect July 1 strengthen the state's 211 Network, expanding access to community resources such as housing, food assistance and health care referrals, and update continuing education requirements for licensed funeral directors and embalmers.
