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Senate approves school choice measure after hours of debate; third reading passes 31-9
Summary
The South Carolina Senate passed S.62 on third reading after extended debate over funding, equity and impacts on public schools. The vote was 31-9. Supporters said the bill restores scholarships and expands choice; opponents warned of budget pressure on lottery-funded scholarships and harm to public education.
The South Carolina Senate on third reading approved S.62, a school choice bill intended to restore and expand scholarship funding for K–12 students, by a roll-call vote of 31 to 9.
Senator from Berkeley (Sen. Grooms) opened debate on the floor, telling colleagues, “we are now at the third reading of the legislation to fix our school choice program,” and framing the bill as a repair measure to ensure students who previously lost scholarships receive promised funds.
The debate centered on two lines of argument. Supporters said the bill remedies an immediate funding shortfall for families and expands parental options. Senator Grooms and other proponents said the measure will restore scholarships to about 3,400 children who had funding revoked last year and that eligibility would rise next year.
Opponents, including Senator Calhoun, warned the bill would not improve public education and would shift scarce state resources. “It does nothing for public education. Nothing,” Calhoun said on the floor, adding that much of the money would flow to families already able to afford private schools. Senator Devine likewise said she did not support the bill and urged the body to invest in comprehensive public education reforms and supports for students and teachers rather than the voucher approach.
Lawmakers also debated the bill’s fiscal impact. Senator Calhoun cited staff estimates, saying the projected cost to the state general fund “is gonna be upwards of about a hundred and $10,000,000 in 26/27,” and other senators warned that lottery-funded scholarship programs such as HOPE and LIFE could face increased pressure because the legislation relies in part on lottery dollars.
Roll-call voting followed a requested roll call; the reading clerk recorded 31 votes in favor and 9 opposed. The measure was given a third reading and will move to the House for consideration.
The bill’s proponents noted it had multiple amendments adopted in committee and on the floor; opponents predicted constitutional challenges and said the House could alter the measure before final passage.
S.62 now goes to the South Carolina House of Representatives for its consideration.
Votes at a glance: Third reading of S.62 — passed, 31 yes, 9 no.
