A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-32-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE "DATING VIOLENCE" AND "DATING" OR "DATING RELATIONSHIP"; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 59-32-20, 59-32-30, AND 59-32-50, ALL RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION ACT, ALL SO AS TO REQUIRE THE INCLUSION OF DATING VIOLENCE EDUCATION IN THE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM AND MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES; BY ADDING SECTION 59-32-35 SO AS TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A POLICY ON THE TOPIC OF DATING VIOLENCE, AND TO ANNUALLY SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IDENTIFYING THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS OFFERING DATING VIOLENCE EDUCATION IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CHAPTER, AND THE NUMBER OF INSTANCES OF DATING VIOLENCE REPORTED AND ADDRESSED BY EACH SCHOOL; AND BY ADDING SECTION 59-101-220 SO AS TO REQUIRE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A POLICY ON THE TOPIC OF DATING VIOLENCE, AND TO ANNUALLY MAINTAIN A REPORT DETAILING THE INSTITUTION'S COMPLIANCE WITH THIS REQUIREMENT AND IDENTIFYING THE NUMBER OF INSTANCES OF DATING VIOLENCE REPORTED AND ADDRESSED BY THE INSTITUTION.
Impact
If enacted, the changes proposed by HB 3317 would impact various sections of the South Carolina Code, especially those governing the Comprehensive Health Education Act. The bill would mandate the inclusion of dating violence education across various grade levels, ensuring that students from a young age are informed about the dynamics of healthy relationships. This could lead to a more informed student body capable of navigating personal relationships responsibly and safely. Moreover, public institutions of higher learning would also be required to follow similar guidelines, potentially extending the benefits of this education beyond K-12 schooling into higher education.
Summary
House Bill 3317 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by instituting comprehensive education on dating violence within the existing health education framework for schools. It defines 'dating violence' and related terms to ensure clarity in educational contexts. The bill proposes that local school boards must develop and implement specific policies addressing dating violence, thereby requiring schools to incorporate such education into their curricula and report instances of dating violence to state authorities. This initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge necessary to recognize and prevent dating violence, promoting a safer educational environment for youth.
Contention
While the intent to educate students on dating violence is widely supported, there may be contention surrounding the implementation of such policies, especially regarding parental rights to exempt their children from certain teachings. Critics may argue that the bill places an undue burden on school districts to implement and maintain effective educational programs without sufficient funding or resources. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the adequacy of the definitions provided, and whether they will accurately cover the complexities of dating relationships among youth. Stakeholders may seek to ensure that the curriculum remains sensitive and applicable to various student experiences.
Relates to teen dating violence education programs; requires school districts to create policies, procedures and guidelines to implement education programs for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade to prevent, deter and address incidents of teen dating violence; defines teen dating violence.
Relates to teen dating violence education programs; requires school districts to create policies, procedures and guidelines to implement education programs for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade to prevent, deter and address incidents of teen dating violence; defines teen dating violence.
Requires institutions of higher education to adopt affirmative consent standard and other policies regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
Relating to signs posted by public institutions of higher education to facilitate the reporting of and to prevent incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.