S 454 — Charter School Accountability
Last action — Act No. 123
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✓Introduced
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✓In Committee
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✓Passed Senate
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✓Passed House
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✓To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 13, 2025. Enacted.
Signed by Governor Henry McMaster (Republican) on May 15, 2026.
Odds of enactment
High chanceBased on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.
Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.
A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.
Prognosis
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Enacted
Current position in the legislative process.
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1 sponsor
1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.
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Cleared a recorded vote
Passed 6 recorded votes so far.
Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.
In plain language
The bill updates accountability and transparency measures for charter schools in South Carolina.
This bill modifies existing laws concerning charter schools, emphasizing fiscal accountability, transparency, and the oversight powers of authorizers. It includes new definitions, application procedures, and ethical standards for charter school governance.
What this means for you
- Workers: Workers within charter schools may face new ethical standards and oversight measures that affect their roles and responsibilities.
- Families: Families will experience increased transparency and accountability in charter schools, which may impact their decision-making in choosing schools.
- Consumers: Consumers, particularly parents and students, can expect improved governance and school operations affecting their educational choices.
Summary
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-40, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROM "SPONSOR" TO "AUTHORIZER," AND TO REVISE AND PROVIDE OTHER DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-50, RELATING TO LEGAL EXEMPTIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO IMPOSE CERTAIN FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY MEASURES, TO IMPOSE CERTAIN ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT STANDARDS AND TRANSPARENCY MEASURES, TO REVISE BYLAW REQUIREMENTS AND BOARD ETHICS REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES CONCERNING OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-55, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES, TO REVISE THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES, TO INCREASE CHARTER AUTHORIZER OVERSIGHT, TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN FINANCIAL CONFLICTS, TO INCREASE ENFORCEMENT POWERS OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR AUTHORIZER REVOCATION AND SCHOOL TRANSFERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-60, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, TO INCREASE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES, TO CREATE RULES FOR VIRTUAL SCHOOLS, AND TO CREATE A STREAMLINED REPLICATION PROCESS FOR SUCCESSFUL CHARTER SCHOOLS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-65, RELATING TO VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS IN CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS AND IMPOSE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS ON VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOLS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-70, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANTS TO AUTHORIZERS, SO AS TO REVISE CHARTER APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES, TO IMPOSE CERTAIN REVIEW TIMELINES, TO REVISE EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE CONDITIONAL APPROVALS, TO IMPOSE PLANNING-YEAR REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REVISE AUTHORIZER OVERSIGHT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-75, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZER BOARD MEMBER ETHICS, CONDUCT, AND REMOVAL, SO AS TO INCLUDE AUTHORIZERS, TO REVISE THE GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL, TO REVISE THE MANNER OF FILLING VACANCIES, AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-90, RELATING TO APPEALS OF FINAL DECISIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT APPEALS OF FINAL DECISIONS BY AUTHORIZERS MUST BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-110, RELATING TO CHARTER DURATIONS, RENEWALS, AND CLOSURES, SO AS TO INCLUDE CERTAIN CHARTER SCHOOL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS BY AUTHORIZERS AND RELATED GUIDANCE AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-111, RELATING TO ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION CAMPUSES, SO AS TO IMPOSE ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-115, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL TRANSFERS AMONG AUTHORIZERS, SO AS TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH TRANSFER PROCESSES AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN TRANSPARENCY MEASURES, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-120, RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP OF DISSOLVED CHARTER SCHOOL ASSETS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN ASSETS BECOME PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA INSTEAD OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL'S AUTHORIZER; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-140, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZER MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES AND TO AUTHORIZE CHARTER SCHOOLS TO CONTRACT WITH MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-150, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL FORMATIONS AND OPERATIONS, SO AS TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS ON THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CONCERNING CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS, COMPLIANCE GUIDANCE, AND EVALUATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-155, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL TRUSTEE TRAINING AND REMOVALS, SO AS TO MAKE CERTAIN TRAINING PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZER BOARD MEMBERS, TO REVISE THE ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS, AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-180, RELATING TO REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES, GRANDFATHER PROVISIONS, AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN EXISTING AUTHORIZERS FROM THE APPLICATION PROCESS, AND TO SUBJECT AUTHORIZERS TO FUNDING REDUCTIONS FOR WILFUL OR KNOWING VIOLATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-230, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD, SO AS TO CORRECT AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE. - RATIFIED TITLE
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
15 added · 15 removedPlain-language change summary
The recent amendment to Bill S 454 updates the terminology, changing "sponsor" to "authorizer," which clarifies the role responsible for overseeing charter schools. Additionally, the bill now explicitly allows charter schools to terminate their contracts with authorizers under specific conditions, giving them more flexibility. It also establishes the Department of Education's duty to review authorizers' performance each year, ensuring accountability. These changes are significant because they aim to improve the oversight of charter schools and enhance their operational independence.
19,13, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online South Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026Bill 454Indicates Matter StrickenIndicates New Matter(Text matches printed bills.
Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.) A bill TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-40, RELATING TO DEFITINITIONS PERTAINING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROMTO "SPONSOR" TO "AUTHORIZER" AND TO PROVIDE OTHER DEFINITIONS;
BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-90, RELATING TO APPEALS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT, SO AS TO ALLOW AN APPEAL FOR ANY FINAL DECISION MADE PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT;
BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-115, RELATING TO TERMINATION OF A CONTRACT WITH AN AUTHORIZER, SO AS TO ALLOW A CHARTER SCHOOL TO TERMINATE ITS CHARTER AND CONTRACT WITH AN AUTHORIZER UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS;
----XX---- This web page was last updated on March 19,13, 2025 at 03:2711:30 PMAM
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Action History
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Act No. 123
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Effective date 05/15/26
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Signed By Governor
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Ratified R 140
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Roll call Yeas-102 Nays-1
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Concurred in Senate amendment and enrolled
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Returned to House with amendments
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Roll call Ayes-43 Nays-0
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House amendment amended
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Scrivener's error corrected
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Read third time and returned to Senate with amendments
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Unanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day
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Roll call Yeas-104 Nays-0
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Read second time
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Amended
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Scrivener's error corrected
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Requests for debate-Rep(s). J Moore, King, Reese, Rutherford, Gilliard, Hart, Henderson-Myers, Hosey
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Committee report: Favorable with amendment Education and Public Works
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Scrivener's error corrected
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Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
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Introduced and read first time
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Roll call Ayes-42 Nays-0
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Read third time and sent to House
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Amended
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Roll call Ayes-33 Nays-4
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Read second time
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Committee Amendment Adopted
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Scrivener's error corrected
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Committee report: Favorable with amendment Education
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Scrivener's error corrected
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Referred to Committee on Education
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Introduced and read first time
Sponsors
- Senator Greg Hembree · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 169 not signed on · 37 voted No
Sponsors (1)
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (169)
169 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 169 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Votes
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unaffiliated | 98 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Democrat | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Republican | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 101 | 1 | 0 | 21 |
| % of votes cast | 82% | 1% | 0% | 17% |
How each member voted (123)
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unaffiliated | 43 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 43 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| % of votes cast | 93% | 0% | 0% | 7% |
How each member voted (46)
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unaffiliated | 73 | 31 | 0 | 15 |
| Republican | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Democrat | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 75 | 32 | 0 | 16 |
| % of votes cast | 61% | 26% | 0% | 13% |
How each member voted (123)
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unaffiliated | 101 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| Republican | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Democrat | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 103 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| % of votes cast | 84% | 0% | 0% | 16% |
How each member voted (123)
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unaffiliated | 42 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 42 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| % of votes cast | 93% | 0% | 0% | 7% |
How each member voted (45)
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unaffiliated | 33 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 33 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| % of votes cast | 80% | 10% | 0% | 10% |
How each member voted (41)
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does S 454 do?
- AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-40, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT, SO AS TO CHANGE REFERENCES FROM "SPONSOR" TO "AUTHORIZER," AND TO REVISE AND PROVIDE OTHER DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-50, RELATING TO LEGAL EXEMPTIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES OF CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO IMPOSE CERTAIN FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY MEASURES, TO IMPOSE CERTAIN ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT STANDARDS AND TRANSPARENCY MEASURES, TO REVISE BYLAW REQUIREMENTS AND BOARD ETHICS REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES CONCERNING OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-55, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZERS, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES, TO REVISE THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES, TO INCREASE CHARTER AUTHORIZER OVERSIGHT, TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN FINANCIAL CONFLICTS, TO INCREASE ENFORCEMENT POWERS OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR AUTHORIZER REVOCATION AND SCHOOL TRANSFERS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-60, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, SO AS TO REVISE CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, TO INCREASE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES, TO CREATE RULES FOR VIRTUAL SCHOOLS, AND TO CREATE A STREAMLINED REPLICATION PROCESS FOR SUCCESSFUL CHARTER SCHOOLS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-65, RELATING TO VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS IN CHARTER SCHOOLS, SO AS TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS AND IMPOSE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS ON VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOLS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-70, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICANTS TO AUTHORIZERS, SO AS TO REVISE CHARTER APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES, TO IMPOSE CERTAIN REVIEW TIMELINES, TO REVISE EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS, TO PROVIDE CONDITIONAL APPROVALS, TO IMPOSE PLANNING-YEAR REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REVISE AUTHORIZER OVERSIGHT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-75, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZER BOARD MEMBER ETHICS, CONDUCT, AND REMOVAL, SO AS TO INCLUDE AUTHORIZERS, TO REVISE THE GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL, TO REVISE THE MANNER OF FILLING VACANCIES, AND TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-90, RELATING TO APPEALS OF FINAL DECISIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT APPEALS OF FINAL DECISIONS BY AUTHORIZERS MUST BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW COURT; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-110, RELATING TO CHARTER DURATIONS, RENEWALS, AND CLOSURES, SO AS TO INCLUDE CERTAIN CHARTER SCHOOL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS BY AUTHORIZERS AND RELATED GUIDANCE AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-111, RELATING TO ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION CAMPUSES, SO AS TO IMPOSE ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-115, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL TRANSFERS AMONG AUTHORIZERS, SO AS TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH TRANSFER PROCESSES AND TO REQUIRE CERTAIN TRANSPARENCY MEASURES, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-120, RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP OF DISSOLVED CHARTER SCHOOL ASSETS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT CERTAIN ASSETS BECOME PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA INSTEAD OF THE CHARTER SCHOOL'S AUTHORIZER; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-140, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZER MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING, SO AS TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES AND TO AUTHORIZE CHARTER SCHOOLS TO CONTRACT WITH MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-150, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL FORMATIONS AND OPERATIONS, SO AS TO IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS ON THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CONCERNING CHARTER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS, COMPLIANCE GUIDANCE, AND EVALUATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-155, RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOL TRUSTEE TRAINING AND REMOVALS, SO AS TO MAKE CERTAIN TRAINING PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZER BOARD MEMBERS, TO REVISE THE ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS, AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-180, RELATING TO REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES, GRANDFATHER PROVISIONS, AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, SO AS TO EXEMPT CERTAIN EXISTING AUTHORIZERS FROM THE APPLICATION PROCESS, AND TO SUBJECT AUTHORIZERS TO FUNDING REDUCTIONS FOR WILFUL OR KNOWING VIOLATIONS; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 59-40-230, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD, SO AS TO CORRECT AN OBSOLETE REFERENCE. - RATIFIED TITLE
- Who sponsors S 454?
- S 454 is sponsored by Senator Greg Hembree.
- What is the current status of S 454?
- This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 13, 2025. Enacted.
- Where can I track S 454?
- Track S 454 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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