S 69

Abstract

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-156-120, RELATING TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHILD EARLY READING DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAM, SO AS TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM IN THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR TO QUALIFIED CHILDREN RESIDING IN OTHER DISTRICTS BASED UPON EACH DISTRICT'S POVERTY INDEX, TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM IN THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR TO ALL QUALIFIED CHILDREN IN ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS, AND TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM TO INCLUDE ALL CHILDREN WITHIN FIVE YEARS OF THE PROGRAM'S EXPANSION FOR ALL DISTRICTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-156-130, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE PROGRAM, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-156-140, RELATING TO PROVIDER APPLICATIONS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-156-220, RELATING TO FUNDING OF THE PROGRAM, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO FUND THE PROGRAM IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, AND TO SET THE RATE FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR.