The 2026-27 school year is approaching.

Before getting back to the books, students and parents should be aware of new state laws, signed in early 2026, that will roll out and begin to take shape this school year.

Smart Heart Act

Signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster in April 2026, the Smart Heart Act requires each public school to develop, implement and maintain a cardiac emergency response plan.

This plan must include a designated, trained response team, regular drills and an annual review.

It also updates state law to require public schools to ensure automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, are on site, unlocked and accessible at all school athletic venues and events. These emergency preparedness standards are also extended to private schools that compete against public schools.

The American Heart Association said cardiac arrest often strikes without warning and can be fatal within minutes if CPR and AEDs are not immediately available. Studies have shown that prompt intervention can double or even triple survival rates.

The act took effect on July 1 and full implementation will begin in the 2027-28 school year, giving school districts the time and guidance needed to prepare for rollout.

Ban on grade floors

Signed in May 2026, the policy bans public school districts from establishing policies that require teachers to assign a minimum grade or score that exceeds a student's actual performance. If a school district is found to be in violation, the state Department of Education will withhold 10% of the school district's State Aid to Classroom funding.

The bill also bans schools from mandating benchmark tests to be included in the calculation of a student's final grade. Students are required to complete necessary assignments before they can be eligible to participate in credit recovery programs.

Prior to the start of the 2026-27 school year, the state Board of Education will establish a task force of three superintendents, principals, teachers, representatives of public school boards each and three high school students to evaluate potential revisions to the uniform grading policy. They will report their findings to the state board before June 1, 2027.

School Expulsion Act

Signed in May 2026, this bill amended state law of student threats to now expel any student who "knowingly and willfully" brought a weapon to school with the intent to do bodily harm. The threat could have been delivered in writing, electronically or any other type of communication.

This comes after numerous statewide disruptions of schools and growing fear of threats against students, teachers and staff on campus.

The law states that the student must be expelled for no less than one academic year from the date of the incident. The student may be transferred to another school in lieu of suspension or expulsion, only after a conference with parents/legal guardians and notification from the principal of the receiving school.