Committee adopts amendment, reports bill to clear rules on excused absences for scholastic activities

Representative Bridal moved to recall House Bill 3974 from the K‑12 subcommittee and place the related measure on the full committee agenda. Pierce, who presented the bill, explained House Bill 4257 would apply existing excused‑absence rules (the 10-day limit) to participation in interscholastic activities authorized by a school or district even if the activity is not sanctioned by the South Carolina High School League.

Pierce described the amendment as merging two ideas into a single governing statute that covers sports, FFA and other scholastic activities, and said the amendment preserves the statute’s existing 10‑day cap and adds an academic-standing requirement for participating students.

Committee members agreed the amendment reflected compromise language worked out with the Department of Education and local administrators. The committee adopted the amendment and, by roll call, reported the bill favorably as amended; the clerk announced the result: "By a vote of 16 to 0, the bill is reported favorably as amended."