(Columbia, SC) — South Carolina legislators have unveiled a revised version of the private school scholarship program previously struck down by the state Supreme Court, with hopes of restoring funding to families while addressing constitutional concerns.
The proposed bill, titled the “K-12 Education Lottery Scholarship,” seeks to sidestep legal challenges by utilizing state lottery funds exclusively to finance scholarships, avoiding the public funding restrictions outlined in the September court ruling. The Supreme Court’s 3-2 decision had invalidated the original South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act, which allowed public money to support private and religious schools.
State Sen. Greg Hembree, chair of the Senate Education Committee, emphasized the urgency of the issue, citing its impact on families who relied on the funding. “If we didn’t get it right, we need to fix it and fix it fast,” Hembree said.
The new proposal expands eligibility, increasing the income threshold to 600% of the federal poverty level by 2026. It also simplifies the qualification process to include only residency and income requirements, with scholarships starting at over $8,000 annually. Additionally, the bill introduces rolling application deadlines and broader eligible expenses, including uniforms.
“This approach reallocates lottery funds without exhausting current resources, ensuring the program is sustainable,” Hembree explained.
The proposal follows months of deliberation among lawmakers aiming to reconcile legislative priorities with judicial mandates. While some remain skeptical of potential legal hurdles, Hembree and other proponents insist that addressing these challenges head-on is essential to advancing school choice in South Carolina.
During a recent Senate subcommittee meeting, families and educators voiced their support for the revised bill, underscoring the critical role of scholarships in providing educational opportunities. David Warner, a parent whose son previously benefited from the program, shared his concerns: “Not every school matches a child’s needs. This scholarship allowed us to find the best fit for our son, and losing it was devastating.”
Educators echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of stability for students and schools. “We have dozens of students who depend on this funding,” said Beth Martyn, principal of Divine Redeemer Catholic School in Hanahan. “We’re committed to finding solutions, whether through this legislation or other means.”
State Rep. Shannon Erickson, chair of the House Education Committee, assured attendees that the bill is a legislative priority. “Our focus is on securing the funding as quickly as possible,” Erickson said. “We recognize the urgency and are working to ensure students have the support they need for the upcoming school year.”
The Senate subcommittee plans to revisit the bill in January, with lawmakers optimistic about its passage. As debates continue, families, educators, and legislators remain united in their commitment to advancing educational opportunities for South Carolina’s students.
